KL Rahul is expected to be rested for the upcoming white-ball series against England, starting January 22 with five T20Is followed by three ODIs. As reported by Times of India, the selectors have assured Rahul of his place in the 2025 Champions Trophy squad, allowing him to skip these fixtures.
“Rahul has been assured of his spot in the Champions Trophy. Hence, he will be rested from the England series,” an unnamed source confirmed.
Following a strong performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Rahul will also skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Karnataka. Despite being India’s go-to wicketkeeper in ODIs—scoring 452 runs at an average of 75.33 in last year’s World Cup—his inconsistent form in T20Is kept him out of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad.
The selectors now face a decision regarding India’s wicketkeeping role. With Rishabh Pant back in action but yet to prove himself in ODIs since his return, Rahul remains a key contender for the middle order and behind-the-stumps duties in the upcoming ICC events.
The England series will also serve as India’s preparation for the Champions Trophy, which will be played in the UAE. While Pakistan is officially hosting, an agreement between the BCCI and PCB ensures India plays all its matches, including knockouts, at a neutral venue.
India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni, defeating England by five runs in a rain-hit final in Birmingham.
