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'Can't Play Both Rahul And Pant...': Gambhir Opens Up On India's Wicket-Keeper Dilemma

Poulomi Chakraborty

Gambhir Unveils Team India's No 1 Wicketkeeper (Source: @dasjy0tirmay/x.com, @riseup_pant17/x.com)Gambhir Unveils Team India's No 1 Wicketkeeper (Source: @dasjy0tirmay/x.com, @riseup_pant17/x.com)

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After a commanding 3-0 whitewash against England, Team India has built impressive momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy. Throughout the series, Rishabh Pant warmed the bench, while KL Rahul took up the gloves and played a key role with the bat in the decisive third match.

This move by the team management has turned heads as Rishabh Pant didn’t get a game in the whole series. As the thrilling series wraps up, head coach Gautam Gambhir opens up about their plans for the wicketkeeper's role in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

KL Rahul Justifies The Wicketkeeper’s Role In The ODI Series

In the cricket world, KL Rahul's wicketkeeping ability is known to everyone. Whether it's the 2023 ODI World Cup or any bilateral series, Rahul behind the stumps is a massive strength for India. As he featured throughout the ODI series against England, Team India has received top effort from him.

After struggling in the first two ODIs, Rahul bounced back in the third ODI match. After delivering some stunning efforts behind the stumps, the wicketkeeper-batter played a thrilling knock of 40 runs in just 29 deliveries with a strike rate of 137.93. That helped Team India to register a massive 142-run victory.

Gambhir On The Future Of This Role In Champions Trophy

As KL Rahul featured in the entire ODI series, Rishabh Pant was seen warming the bench. As the Champions Trophy nears, team management needs to decide the perfect wicketkeeper for the marquee event. Before that, head coach Gautam Gambhir weighed in on India's wicketkeeper debate ahead of the tournament.

“At the moment, KL is a No.1 wicketkeeper for us, and he’s delivered for us. And see, when you’ve got two wicketkeepers in this squad, you can’t play both the wicketkeepers with the kind of quality we’ve got.” Gambhir said.

“Hopefully, whenever he (Pant) gets that opportunity, he should be ready for it. That’s all I can say at the moment. Right now, KL is the one who’s going to start.” he added.

As Team India is set to play all their matches in Dubai, KL Rahul will be a great batting option for the team as well. In 10 matches at the venue, he has scored 317 runs at an average of 35.22. Known for his solid legacy in the 50-over format, Rahul’s composed and complete batting style will be a valuable weapon for  Rohit Sharma and his boys.