Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has emerged as the preferred choice for India’s middle-order spot over the likes of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is believed that Rahul is the preferred choice of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhirirrespective of the performance.
Before the start of the ODI series between India and England, there were speculations about India’s wicketkeeper. The team management had a choice to make between Rahul and Pant and they decided to go with the former.
Both Rahul and Pant are hugely talented cricketers and could make their way into any Playing XI in the world. However, the choice was empty for just one slot and India decided to go with the more consistent KL Rahul.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah’s scans and assessments completed before Champions Trophy 2025
KL Rahul India’s preference over Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer
Abhishek Tripathi, Sr. Journalist:
“No need to go into performance, any given day KL Rahul will get a place over Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. The choice of Captain and Coach will get a place.”~ KL RAHUL was given a chance over Pant but he again failed to score. pic.twitter.com/b1fxw8rKGT
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) February 7, 2025
According to Ray Sportz, the Indian team management consisting of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir prefers Rahul over Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. This makes Rahul the ultimate preference for the first-choice wicketkeeper in the squad.
If the choice is to be made between KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, the management will still go for Rahul irrespective of his performance. The right-hander has played excellently in ODIs and boasts a terrific record.
KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant in ODIs ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
KL Rahul has scored 2853 runs in 78 ODIs so far at an average of 48.35 and a strike rate of 87.38. The right-hander has struck 7 hundreds and 18 fifties so far. Despite being a top-order batter initially, Rahul’s adaptability has made him a versatile batter capable of playing at any position.
He had a brilliant ODI World Cup 2023 where he was one of India’s top performers and helped his team reach the final. Rahul scored 452 runs in 11 matches of the tournament at an average of 75.33 with 1 hundred and 2 fifties.
On the other hand, Pant is yet to fire in the white-ball formats despite having a great start to his Test career. Pant has scored 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21.
KL Rahul flops in 1st ODI
KL Rahul had a poor start to the ODI series against England. The 32-year-old was dismissed for just 2 off 9 balls as he gave a simple catch to Adil Rashid on his follow-through. But his wicket didn’t affect India as they had already reached closer to the target.
Rahul also picked up two catches behind the wickets which included an excellent catch to remove Harry Brook. Apart from Rahul, Shreyas Iyer also had a good match and scored 59 off just 36 balls. He struck 9 fours and 2 sixes during his knock.
Leave feedback about this