KL Rahul rested from IND vs ENG ODIs after BCCI assures keeper of ICC Champions Trophy spot: Reports

KL Rahul played just 2 ODIs in 2024, making a mere 31 runs at an average of 15.50.

Well, we have a breaking news coming in! The wicket-keeping saga for Team India in the 50-over format is likely to continue as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 comes close. According to recent reports, KL Rahul, who was a star batter at the ODI World Cup 2023, is likely to be rested for the entire white-ball series against England. Instead, he is “assured” for a spot at the ICC Champions Trophy.

No KL Rahul for IND vs ENG but in Champions Trophy

KL Rahull had a rigorous tour Down Under, making his case as a proper Test opener. He looked assured and ended the tour with 276 runs at an average of 30.67. Following this, he opted to rest out from Karnataka’s remaining knockout matches at the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024/25. Now, he is highly likely to extend his rest till the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to start from Feb 19. India are drawn in Group A alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and co-hosts Pakistan.

According to the Times of India, Rahul has been assured a spot in the next mega ICC event. His spot should never come into question anyway, having racked up runs every time he has the opportunity in the middle-order. With the likes of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Shreyas Iyer filling up the top-order, Rahul’s viable spot is at number five. Ever since his ODI return in Asia Cup 2023, he has amassed 865 runs at an incredible average of 61.78. One possible reason for KL Rahul’s absence could be the fact that he is about to become a father! Back in November 2024, he and wife Athiya Shetty announce that they are expecting their first child. We recently saw Indian captain Rohit Sharma miss the Perth Test in BGT as he welcomes his second child.

No KL Rahul means Pant, Sanju to get a chance?

If BCCI does give KL Rahul a rest for the three ODIs against Engalnd, who would India play? Well, the simple answer is Rishabh Pant. He adds that left-handedness in the first XI, something that only caters when No. 6 all-rounder (either Jadeja or Axar) comes in. Pant hasn’t nailed down the ODI format yet. Apart from his fabulous in Manchester, he doesn’t have much to show. If we leave aside his one-off appearance against Sri Lanka last year, Pant last regularly featured in the format back in November 2022.

Another option could be Sanju Samson, who has staked his claim in the Indian T20 squad as an opener. The Kerala superstar has done well in the chances he got in the format thus far, making 510 runs at an average of 56.66. Samson scored a century (108 vs SA in Paarl) the last time he played an ODI. The number five spot would be open and it is likely that Pant or Samson are going to get a chance, with the former far more likely candidate.

Most runs for India since Asia Cup 2023 ft. KL Rahul