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India's Assistant Coach Weighs In On Wicketkeeper Debate, Hints At Possible Change

Poulomi Chakraborty

Ryan ten Doeschate Reflects On Wicketkeeper's Role (Source: @riseup_pant17/x.com)Ryan ten Doeschate Reflects On Wicketkeeper's Role (Source: @riseup_pant17/x.com)

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As the Champions Trophy is going on with all the glory, Team India is all set to face New Zealand in their final group stage match. After securing the semifinal spots, both sides are set to take on each other in the final group stage clash.

Before stepping into the upcoming clash, there has been a debate over Team India’s wicketkeeper’s role. Before the crucial clash, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, addressed the issue.

Team India’s Wicketkeeper Role’s Drama

In the ongoing tournament, the team management opted for KL Rahul as their number choice for the wicket keeper’s role. While representing the side, Rahul showcased his exceptional wicket-keeping skills on both sides.

 After playing an unbeaten knock of 41 runs against Bangladesh, he didn’t get a chance to bat in the India-Pakistan match. Slotted into the lower-middle order, he now faces the challenge of proving his batting prowess amid limited opportunities.

Despite being in the squad, Rishabh Pant was seen warming the bench in both matches. Having missed the entire limited-overs series against England, he hasn’t played in the 50-over format for a while. With India already through to the knockouts, there’s growing buzz about giving him a chance in the upcoming match.

Doeschate Reflects On The Debate

Before facing New Zealand in the last group stage fixture, the debate is going over KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper’s role. As the big game approaches, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate weighs in, emphasizing the challenge of striking the right team balance.

“It's been very hard on Rishabh not playing. But that's the nature of sport at this level. KL has been good. He didn't get many chances... we've got to keep Rishabh up and running. We never know when we're going to need him. But certainly to have two wicketkeepers of that calibre is a nice thing to have,” he said.

On March 2, the cricket world is all set to witness a nail-biting clash as Team India takes on New Zealand in their last group stage match. With the wicketkeeper debate heating up, all eyes will be on whether KL Rahul retains his spot or Rishabh Pant finally gets his chance.