• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Kl Rahul Picks Rishabh Pant Over Himself As Keeper Hints Csk Captains Fate For Sa Odis

KL Rahul picks Rishabh Pant over himself as keeper; hints CSK captain’s fate for SA ODIs

Aakash Saini

Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]

KL Rahul has dropped massive hints regarding the playing XI availability of fellow wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. Rahul also praised both cricketers a day before the series-opener in Ranchi while speaking at a press conference.

It is worth noting that KL Rahul was appointed as Team India captain for the ODI series after regular skipper Shubman Gill suffered a neck spasm earlier during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata.

KL Rahul confirms a spot in the playing XI for Ruturaj Gaikwad

While speaking with the reporters on Saturday, November 29, Indian ODI captain KL Rahul said that the team management is yet to decide who will be India’s wicketkeeper between him and Rishabh Pant in the series against South Africa, and added that a decision will be taken prior to the match.

However, KL Rahul also added that Rishabh will surely be keeping wickets if the latter makes a cut into the playing XI, thus sidelining himself from the role. He said:

“You’ll get to know tomorrow who will play - whether it’s me or him behind the stumps - but obviously, he is good enough to play as a batter as well but if he is in the eleven, then obviously he will take the gloves, and I will be in the field.”

KL Rahul also seemingly confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will be receiving an opportunity in the playing XI at some stage of the series. He added:

“Ruturaj Gaikwad is a phenomenal player. He has done well in whatever limited opportunities he has had. Looking forward to giving him the opportunity in this series.”

The ODIs against South Africa marks a return to the format for both, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Rishabh was forced to miss India’s white-ball tour of Australia owing to his foot injury, Gaikwad played the last of his six ODIs for Team India back in December 2023, i.e., nearly two years ago.

Team India will now face South Africa at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30 from 1:30 PM IST onwards.