KL Rahul Vs Rishabh Pant: Who Is A Better Wicketkeeper For India In ODIs?

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are both a part of the Sri Lankan tour [X]KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are both a part of the Sri Lankan tour [X]

The scenario of Indian cricket is going through a transition phase. From change in leadership roles to laying the foundations of a brighter future, Indian cricket is seeing a lot of new things. 

The first assignment of Team India under their new Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir, is a white ball tour to Sri Lanka. We have already seen the ODI and T20I squads for this upcoming season. 

One significant thing to note is the presence of Rishabh Pant in both squads. On the other hand, the veteran KL Rahul has been snubbed from the shorter format and is only a part of the ODI squad. This gives us some indications of the team's thinking in the upcoming days and how they are trying to pan out the future of these two players. 

Let us compare the careers of these two players and analyse who will have more impact on this new path of Indian cricket.


Rahul vs Pant: ODI Batting Career

Players
Innings
Runs
Average
100s/50s
KL Rahul702,820
50.357/18
Rishabh Pant2686534.601/5


The overall ODI career of the two players gives us the idea that KL Rahul has been in the circuit longer and, in this format, has proven himself to be a consistent run-scorer. 

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has had a rocky ride in the format. But if we look at the only century that he has scored, it is a testament to the fact that the best in him comes under pressure and in crunch situations.


Rahul vs Pant: ODI Keeping Numbers

Players
Matches
Catches
Stumpings
Dismissals/ Innings
KL Rahul
354841.485
Rishabh Pant2322
11.045


Looking at the wicketkeeping records of the two players, we find that KL Rahul has better efficiency. It is surprising to note this, as Pant is a specialist keeper. However, number's don't line and in this case, the numbers prove that KL Rahul is a better behind the stumps in this format than Rishabh Pant.


Rahul vs Pant: Utility and impact for the team

Both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are important batters in their own ways. However, the numbers show that KL has been the more consistent batter so far. Persisting with him in the near future seems to be a better option. 

Rishabh Pant could be a part of the team and groom himself to the format, especially as a batter. Rahul's presence will provide India with solidity and help them change the batting line-up around him, building a stronger team for the future, especially in this format.