Rahul, calm and proving a perfect fit in middle-order

"I don't think I can say this on camera, but I was s***ing myself at the end." It was good of KL Rahul to say that because athletes are conditioned to conceal their vulnerabilities.

- Rasesh Mandani

DUBAI: What's a proven performer until he absorbs pressure?

With the toss simply not going India's way, they were asked to chase in four of the five matches of the Champions Trophy. Thrice Rahul showed that he was the best man for a difficult job—41* vs Bangladesh, 42* vs Australia, 34* vs New Zealand—one who would not buckle under pressure when the heat is on coming in at the crucial No.6 spot.

Rahul was earlier referring to the closing moments of the final when he got to the crease with India needing 69 runs at a little over run-a-ball. Rahul may have watched from the change room South Africa crumble against India in last year's T20 World Cup final with less than half the runs to get at the same scoring rate. Having a bagful of strokes is what catches the eye; keeping a calm head is a less appreciated virtue.