India’s Wicketkeeper Dilemma for ICC Champions Trophy
Let’s set aside the exclusion of Sanju Samson and focus on the players selected for India’s squad in the ICC Champions Trophy. The two wicketkeepers included, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, are both proven batters and superstars in their own right. However, it seems unlikely that both will play in the same match. With skipper Rohit Sharma, deputy Shubman Gill, and one of the greatest ODI batters ever, Virat Kohli, in the mix, the number four spot seems to be set for Shreyas Iyer. Despite not being part of India’s central contract, he’s been phenomenal in ODIs.
KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant—Who’s the Better Batter?
The real debate starts at number five, where both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have a strong case for selection. India’s squad has limited middle-order options, and the question arises—should KL Rahul’s consistent number five position be disturbed, or does Pant’s “X-factor” warrant a chance? While Pant is arguably a better keeper than KL Rahul, who is a makeshift wicketkeeper, Rahul has done well when given the gloves.
KL Rahul has batted in seven different positions in ODIs, but his most successful spot is number five, where he has scored 1,259 runs at an average of 57.22. His form in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was among the top 10 run-scorers with 452 runs at an average of 75.33, highlights his adaptability. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has not had much experience at this position and, while his strike rate of almost 137 is threatening, he has not yet replicated his Test form in ODIs. Though Pant scored a match-winning century in Manchester, Rahul’s consistent contributions make him a harder player to overlook.
Why KL Rahul Should Be the Choice Over Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul has proven his worth on tough tours, such as his solid Test performance in Australia, where he scored 276 runs at an average of 30.67. After skipping Karnataka’s knockout matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25, Rahul has consistently delivered in the middle-order. Since his return to ODIs during the 2023 Asia Cup, he has amassed 865 runs at an average of 61.78, which speaks volumes about his form.
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What Does Pant Offer?
Pant’s case primarily rests on his left-handedness. He can change the course of a game with his explosive batting. India doesn’t have a left-hander in the top six, so Pant might be considered for that reason. However, during the 2023 ODI World Cup, India performed exceptionally well without any left-handers in the lineup. While the left-right combination can be an advantage against opposition bowlers, it is not enough to justify dropping an in-form batter like KL Rahul. Therefore, at the ICC Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma should stick with the same batting order from the 2023 World Cup. If any player struggles for form, Pant can come in as a replacement.
