Champions Trophy diary: Tale of Rahul’s tattoos and practice time happenings

By K.R. Nayar

Dubai.  After closely observing Hardik Pandya’s tattoos while he was sporting a sleeveless T-shirt, it was interesting to notice that K.L. Rahul’s arms were also covered in tattoos. Though Rahul, who hit the winning six against Australia to take India into the final, usually wears full sleeves, his tattoos remain visible. Each of his tattoos has a story. Having grown up near the Mangaluru beachfront with a house close to a lighthouse, he has a tattoo of a lighthouse on his forearm. He also has the number 284 inked on his right side, marking his position as India’s 284th Test cricketer. After Rahul’s match-winning six against Australia, a fan breached security and, overwhelmed with joy, hugged him. Rahul made no attempt to push him away; instead, he consoled him.

KL Rahul's tattoos are visible even when wearing a full-sleeve T-shirt. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Batting coach Kotak played with Tendulkar, Jadeja, and Rahul

 

Team India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has played a crucial role in boosting his players’ confidence to go for their shots. Though Kotak has never played international cricket, discussions often arise about his influence. A low-profile figure, he remains dedicated to his job. It was only when he addressed the media on Friday that many realized how thoughtful he is as a coach.

Sitanshu Kotak talks to the media at the ICC Academy. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Few people know that he coached Saurashtra to their Ranji Trophy title win in 2020. Interestingly, in his final year as a player in 2013, he played against Karnataka, scoring 46 runs to help his team win the quarterfinals. That Karnataka team featured K.L. Rahul as well, and when Kotak played against Mumbai, he faced none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Ravindra Jadeja was also a part of his Ranji Trophy team.

 

Washington Sundar and Tamilian journalists

 

Washington Sundar hasn’t played a match in this Champions Trophy, despite being one of the finest all-rounders in the squad. On Friday, he stepped beyond the security cordon and mingled freely with journalists during practice. Tamil-speaking journalists gathered around him, leading to a lively conversation in chaste Tamil about Dubai. He was heard talking about Bluewater Island, one of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, known for its excellent restaurants. As per reports, he enjoys chicken biryani along with sakkarai (jangri) Pongal. Since Team India practices during Iftar time, fasting journalists brought chicken biryani and shared it with those around them.

 

Washington Sundar speaks to journalists in Tamil. Photo by K.R. Nayar  

Despite not being in the playing eleven, Sundar spends hours bowling in the nets, helping Team India’s batters prepare against high-quality spin. After scoring 152 against Delhi in 2024, he had remarked that he is worthy of a top-order batting position.

 

A shrewd security man from Cameroon

 

The security guard assigned to Team India during practice hails from Cameroon. He is amused by the immense fan following for cricketers here. Coming from a football-obsessed country, he admitted that he has never seen anyone play cricket back home. He was surprised to know that Cameroon had participated in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments and has both men’s and women’s teams.

 

The security  guard from Cameroon. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

Interestingly, Cameroon’s women’s cricketer Maeva Douma made headlines during the 2021 Women’s T20 World Cup African Region Qualifier against Uganda when she ran out four batters at the non-striker’s end who were backing out. No wonder this security guard is tasked with protecting Team India—his sharp eyes ensure that no one crosses the line to reach the players.

 

The sporty and fan-friendly Indian captain

 

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is a true friend to fans. After practice, he is often surrounded by security personnel ensuring that no one gets too close. However, when a few fans called out his name, he instructed the security team to let them approach. With patience, he signed every cap and team jersey extended to him.

 

Rohit Sharma pose with his fans at the ICC Academy. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

When a family called out to him, he walked over and posed for a photograph. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was so heavily guarded that a journalist who managed to approach him requested multiple autographs in his book to distribute among eager fans who couldn’t reach him.