‘Like Dhoni’: Why KL Rahul’s Single-Taking Mastery Is Redefining the Finisher Role

'Like Dhoni': Ex-India cricketer lauds finisher Rahul's single taking ability

Forget the sixes. Forget the flamboyance. In modern cricket’s high-pressure chases, sometimes the most powerful shot is… a single. And in India’s nail-biting four-wicket victory over New Zealand, KL Rahul proved that better than anyone. His masterclass in strike rotation, partner protection, and late-innings composure didn’t just win the match—it reignited a crucial debate: Is KL Rahul the heir to MS Dhoni’s legendary finisher throne?

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra didn’t mince words. “Almost like MS Dhoni,” he declared, praising Rahul’s uncanny calmness and game awareness under pressure . This isn’t just flattery—it’s a recognition of a rare skill set that’s becoming increasingly vital in today’s T20 and ODI cricket.

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The Art of the Single: Rahul’s Unsung Heroics

In an era obsessed with strike rates and boundary counts, Rahul’s innings was refreshingly old-school—yet perfectly modern. Facing a tricky chase, he didn’t panic when wickets fell. Instead, he focused on what many overlook: rotating the strike.

He turned ones into twos, worked gaps with soft hands, and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking—even when boundaries dried up. This relentless accumulation created pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers, forcing errors in the death overs that Rahul then punished with trademark elegance.

Why Being a Finisher Is More Than Hitting Big

Many fans equate “finisher” with explosive power-hitters like Hardik Pandya or Andre Russell. But true finishing, as defined by legends like Dhoni, involves three critical elements:

  1. Situational Awareness: Knowing exactly how many runs are needed off how many balls—and adjusting accordingly.
  2. Partner Management: Shielding lower-order batters from pressure until they’re ready to contribute.
  3. Nerve Control: Maintaining heartbeat-like calm while the crowd roars and stakes soar.

Rahul displayed all three in spades. His ability to absorb pressure and make micro-decisions—like taking a quick single instead of risking a dot ball—was the backbone of India’s chase.

Dhoni vs. Rahul: The Calm Under Fire Comparison

The Dhoni comparison isn’t about stats—it’s about temperament. Like Dhoni, Rahul rarely shows emotion. His face remains placid whether he’s on 5 or 50. This emotional neutrality is a superpower in high-stakes cricket.

“It’s not just about scoring runs,” Chopra explained. “It’s about controlling the narrative of the innings. Rahul did that like Dhoni used to—quietly, efficiently, decisively” .

How Rahul Protected His Partners and Controlled the Chase

At one stage, Rahul was batting with a tailender. Instead of farming the strike selfishly, he took calculated risks to keep the non-striker off strike during tough overs. Then, when the field spread in the final five overs, he unleashed cover drives and flicks to seal the game.

This dual-phase approach—consolidation followed by acceleration—is the hallmark of elite finishers. For more on strategic batting in limited-overs cricket, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:cricket-chase-strategies-explained].

The Evolution of KL Rahul as a Finisher

Rahul wasn’t always seen this way. Early in his career, he was labeled a top-order stylist—elegant but fragile under pressure. But since 2023, he’s embraced the No. 5/6 role with maturity. His IPL performances for Lucknow Super Giants showcased his adaptability, and now, on the international stage, he’s proving he belongs in the finisher conversation.

What This Means for India’s World Cup Hopes

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India’s middle-order stability has been a concern. Rahul’s emergence as a reliable KL Rahul finisher offers a solution. He provides balance—someone who can rebuild if early wickets fall or accelerate if the top order fires.

According to ESPNcricinfo, teams with a genuine finisher win 68% more close matches in ICC tournaments . If Rahul continues this form, India’s chances just got a lot brighter.

Conclusion

KL Rahul’s innings against New Zealand wasn’t flashy—but it was flawless in its execution. By mastering the humble single and channeling Dhoni-like composure, he’s redefined what it means to be a finisher in modern cricket. As Aakash Chopra noted, it’s not just about the runs you score—it’s about how you make the game bend to your will. And right now, KL Rahul is doing exactly that.

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