Team India is gearing up for a crucial ODI season, featuring a three-match series against England and the all-important Champions Trophy 2025. With a packed schedule, the Men in Blue don’t have the luxury to experiment with multiple combinations. Instead, they need to settle on a strong playing XI quickly.
One of India’s biggest selection headaches lies in the middle order. While most of the squad picks itself, Rishabh Pant’s availability for ODIs adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making. The first ODI against England is set for Thursday, February 6, in Nagpur, and the question remains: Who should India pick between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul?
Left-Handed Advantage vs. Stability Against Spin
Pant’s return has reignited discussions about India’s middle order. Before his unfortunate injury, he was finding his rhythm in ODIs, and his left-handed presence makes him an attractive option. With India lacking reliable left-handed middle-order batters—especially since Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t consistently played the floater role—Pant provides much-needed variety.
On subcontinent pitches, where spinners dominate the middle overs, a left-hand-right-hand combination can be crucial. Many teams rely on leg-spinners, and having a left-hander like Pant could help disrupt their plans.
However, KL Rahul is one of India’s best players of spin. Despite having a right-handed heavy middle order, India excelled in the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, handling spin effectively. While Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions exposed vulnerabilities, those pitches were extreme turners—unlikely to be replicated in upcoming tournaments.
Recent Form: Who Has the Edge?
Both players have been focusing on red-ball cricket in recent months, making their recent ODI form hard to gauge.
Rahul, after playing a different role in the Border-Gavaskar series, has had to adapt again. He featured in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy clash against Haryana, scoring 26 and 43 in his two innings.
Pant, on the other hand, had a lukewarm Border-Gavaskar series and struggled in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, scoring just 1 and 17, both times dismissed by spin.
India vs England 2025, 4th T20I: Toss Results, Playing XIs, Umpires, and Pitch Report.
India’s Need for an Aggressor vs. Stability
India’s middle order—featuring Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul—has been a reliable unit, offering stability while switching gears when needed. However, without Iyer, India has sometimes struggled to accelerate in the middle overs, a weakness Australia exploited in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Pant brings an X-factor with his fearless approach, adding a layer of unpredictability that could trouble opposition bowlers. While his recent T20 numbers against spin haven’t been promising, he has more time to settle and play longer innings in ODIs.
On the other hand, Rahul has been a steady presence in the middle order. Despite past scrutiny, he has consistently delivered since transitioning into this role. His ability to anchor the innings while playing spin effectively makes him a strong candidate.
Verdict
Both Pant and Rahul have compelling cases. If India prioritizes a left-handed option and a game-changer in the middle overs, Pant gets the nod. However, if they value stability and experience against spin, Rahul remains the safer bet.
With the first ODI just around the corner, all eyes will be on India’s final decision. Who will they back in Nagpur?
