KL Rahul, one of India’s most versatile batters, has set his sights on a T20I comeback with the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup firmly on his radar. After being sidelined from T20I cricket since 2022, Rahul’s recent form in IPL 2025 and his renewed approach to white-ball cricket have reignited his ambitions to don the blue jersey in the shortest format once again.
KL Rahul’s T20I Absence and the Road to Redemption
A Long Hiatus from T20Is
KL Rahul last featured for India in T20Is during the 2022 World Cup semi-final against England. Since then, he missed out on India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign and has focused on ODIs and Test cricket, as well as his IPL commitments.
Reflection and Reinvention
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Rahul admitted that his time away from T20Is gave him a chance to reflect, reset, and recalibrate his white-ball game. He worked closely with coaches, especially Abhishek Nayar, to evolve his batting approach and adapt to the ever-changing demands of T20 cricket.
“Yes, I want to get back in the T20I team and the World Cup is in my mind, but for now it’s just trying to enjoy how I’m playing right now,” Rahul said.
IPL 2025: A Statement Season
Stellar Numbers with Delhi Capitals
Rahul’s IPL 2025 campaign with Delhi Capitals has been nothing short of remarkable:
- 539 runs in 13 innings
- Strike rate: 149.72 (his best since 2018)
- Three fifties and a century, including a match-winning 112* against Gujarat Titans
This surge in strike rate addresses a long-standing criticism of Rahul’s T20 game and demonstrates his commitment to adapting his style for modern T20 demands.
What Changed for KL Rahul?
Rahul credits his improved mindset and technical tweaks to working with Abhishek Nayar, who helped him focus on boundary-hitting and playing with greater intent. Rahul realized that the T20 format now rewards teams that attack more and hit more boundaries, prompting him to evolve his approach.
The Competition for India’s T20I Spots
A Crowded Field
Despite his strong IPL showing, Rahul faces stiff competition for a T20I recall:
- Sanju Samson has impressed as a wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order.
- Youngsters like Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are also in the mix.
- India’s selectors will have tough choices ahead, but Rahul’s experience and adaptability could give him an edge.
Rahul’s Versatility: A Key Asset
Throughout his career, Rahul has adapted to various roles—opening the batting, playing in the middle order, and even keeping wickets. He emphasizes his willingness to take on any challenge the team requires, rather than demanding a specific role.
What’s Next for KL Rahul?
Rahul’s immediate focus shifts to the upcoming five-Test series against England, where he is expected to play a leadership role. However, his eyes remain firmly set on regaining a spot in India’s T20I squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
FAQs
1. Why hasn’t KL Rahul played T20Is for India since 2022?
Rahul was dropped after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final due to form and strike rate concerns, and India’s T20I setup has since seen new faces emerge.
2. How did KL Rahul perform in IPL 2025?
Rahul scored 539 runs in 13 innings for Delhi Capitals at a strike rate of 149.72, including three fifties and a century—his best T20 form in years.
3. What changes has KL Rahul made to his T20 game?
He worked with coach Abhishek Nayar to improve his intent, focus on boundary-hitting, and adapt to the faster pace of modern T20 cricket.
4. Who are KL Rahul’s main competitors for a T20I spot?
Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dhruv Jurel are among the wicketkeeper-batters vying for places in India’s T20I squad.
5. When is the next T20 World Cup and where will it be held?
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s journey back to India’s T20I squad is a story of resilience, adaptability, and renewed hunger. With his best-ever IPL strike rate and a fresh approach to T20 cricket, Rahul has made a compelling case for selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As the competition heats up for a spot in the Men in Blue, Rahul’s experience and versatility could prove invaluable as India looks to defend their T20 crown on home soil.