Rishabh Pant is down with viral [Source: @riseup_pant17/x.com]
In what could be a last-minute blow for India, Rishabh Pant is down with viral fever just before their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan. The news broke when Shubman Gill addressed the media and confirmed that Pant missed India's training session and is unwell.
Rishabh Pant Down With Viral Fever Ahead of IND vs PAK Clash
The much-anticipated clash set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. Not that Pant was in line to replace KL Rahul as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper but his illness might just confirm that Rahul will continue to don the gloves.
“Rishabh Pant missed India’s training session today as he is down with viral,” said Gill.
It is worth mentioning that KL Rahul has been India’s go-to option behind the stumps in ODIs, despite not being a specialist wicketkeeper. His record speaks for itself: 81 ODIs, 2944 runs at an impressive average of 48.26, including seven centuries and 18 fifties.
Rishabh Pant has always been an X-factor player in white-ball cricket. In his 31 ODI appearances, he has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50, including a century and five half-centuries.
Add to that his 28 dismissals (27 catches, one stumping), and he brings both firepower with the bat and safe hands behind the stumps. However, he has been warming the bench in ODIs recently with his last appearance coming in August 2024.
India Aiming To Seal Their Semis Spot
India kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Bangladesh and a win against Pakistan will confirm their spot in the semifinals.
While Pant’s absence could be a minor blow, India’s batting depth remains their biggest strength. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the mix, they have enough firepower to take on their arch-rivals.