KL Rahul Set to Be India’s Wicketkeeper-Batter for Champions Trophy 2025
As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, KL Rahul appears to have an edge over Rishabh Pant for the role of India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. With the squad announcement looming, reports suggest the BCCI has asked Rahul to play in the upcoming ODI series against England, ensuring he gets crucial match practice before the mega tournament.
Initially, Rahul, along with senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, was expected to be rested for the England series. However, a last-minute change in plans has brought him back into contention. Rahul, who opted out of Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, is now set to sharpen his skills ahead of February’s Champions Trophy.
Since Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate car accident in December 2022, which sidelined him for all of 2023, Rahul has taken over as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs. In Pant's absence, Rahul has delivered steady performances, scoring 1,060 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 87.74, while excelling in the middle order.
The decision to stick with Rahul stems from his consistency and adaptability, qualities that make him a reliable option in high-pressure situations. While Pant's return to international cricket remains uncertain, Rahul’s recent form solidifies his position as a key player for India in the Champions Trophy.