India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that KL Rahul will be the team’s primary wicketkeeper over Rishabh Pant for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
Both Pant and Rahul were part of India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. While Pant kept wickets throughout the five-Test series, Rahul played as a specialist batter based on team requirements.
However, after India failed to retain the BGT for the first time in a decade, the team made adjustments. Rahul took over wicketkeeping duties in the three ODIs against England, with Pant left on the bench.
There were speculations that Pant might return for the third ODI, but Rahul retained his spot and contributed a brisk 40 off 29 balls, including three fours and a six, as India secured a dominant 142-run victory.
With the Champions Trophy returning after more than seven years, Gambhir reiterated his faith in Rahul as India’s top wicketkeeper.
“Ultimately, it’s very difficult to talk about individuals, but all I can say is that if he’s part of the squad, he might get an opportunity when the time comes. But at the moment, KL (Rahul) is the number-one wicketkeeper, and he has delivered for us,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference.
While Rahul is expected to retain his place for the marquee tournament, Gambhir urged Pant to be prepared for any opportunity.
“When you have two wicketkeepers in the squad, you can’t play both, given the quality we have. Hopefully, whenever he gets an opportunity, he should be ready. But for now, KL is the one who will start,” he added.
After completing a 3-0 series sweep against England, India will now fine-tune their preparations before opening their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
