India, March 11 -- KL Rahul overcame backlash from fans and experts to put on an impressive show in the knockout stages in India's unbeaten run to a third Champions Trophy haul. In the final against New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai, he carved out a well-composed 34* off 33 as India chased down 252 with an over to spare. However, his post-match act had Virat Kohli bursting into uncontrollable laughter, leaving the wicketkeeper-batter awkward.

Rahul, who was blamed for India's loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final owing to a sluggish knock, buried the ghosts of that Ahmedabad defeat with a valiant show under pressure on a difficult Dubai track. Rahul joined the wild celebration from the Indian team as the reigning T20 world champions claimed ...