KL Rahul Aims for T20I Comeback, Eyes 2026 World Cup

Experienced Indian batsman KL Rahul has voiced his desire to rejoin India’s T20I team, with a firm focus on participating in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Rahul, 33, a key figure in India’s ODI squad, last participated in a T20I match during the 2022 World Cup semi-final against England in Australia, where India faced a significant 10-wicket loss.

In a recent interview with British media, Rahul shared that the time away from T20Is provided an opportunity to reassess and refine his strategy for the white-ball format.

Reflection on White-Ball Game

“I had the chance to reflect on my white-ball approach, and I felt good about my form and position,” he commented.

Rahul is now focused on securing his spot back in the T20I team, keeping the World Cup as a primary objective.

“Indeed, I am aiming to return to the T20I setup, and the World Cup is definitely on my radar. However, my immediate goal is to relish my current performance,” Rahul stated.

Strategic Recalibration

During his absence from T20Is, Rahul maintained consistent performances in ODIs and utilized the time to adjust his batting techniques.

Earlier in the year, he played a vital role in India’s successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, amassing 140 runs across five matches with a strike rate of 97.90.

“I spent time evaluating areas for improvement, observing the game’s evolution, and determining what adjustments were needed to stay competitive and contribute effectively to the T20I team. I also considered how to enhance my role in both ODI and T20I formats, aiming to be a valuable asset in white-ball cricket,” he elaborated.

Influence of Coaching

Rahul acknowledged the significant impact of former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar in transforming his mindset and approach to the game over the past year.

“With the guidance of coaches like Abhishek Nayar, who I’ve worked closely with over the last year, I’ve developed new strategies and refined my game. He has been instrumental in helping me rethink my approach,” he concluded.

Notably, Rahul has demonstrated excellent form in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, leading the Delhi Capitals (DC) in scoring with 539 runs in 13 innings, achieving an impressive strike rate of 149.72 — a substantial improvement from prior seasons.