Why Should Rohit Sharma Play KL Rahul Over Rishabh Pant In Champions Trophy?

Rohit Sharma should choose KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant in India's Playing XI for CT 2025 [Source: @ImRo45/X.com]

As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025, the Men in Blue not only enter the tournament with sky-high expectations but also a cheeky dilemma that is troubling both the fans and the team management—the battle for the wicketkeeper-batter slot between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

This isn’t merely a selection headache; it’s a strategic crossroads. While Pant’s explosive flair and aggressive-hero status make him a fan favourite, Rahul’s understated consistency and adaptability present a compelling case for stability in a high-stakes tournament. 

Hence, as Rohit Sharma and the selectors fight it out upon the sleezy dilemma of choosing one over the other, here's a look at why a 'relaxed' Rahul will be a better choice than a 'chaotic' Pant.

1. Experience In ODI And Overseas Conditions

As India is set to play all its games in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, it is pretty fair to say that the conditions will not be very familiar for both the players, as India hasn't experienced many matches in this venue. However, even after having limited experience, KL Rahul fares better here.

Notably, Rahul has played 10 matches in Dubai and managed to bag 317 runs at an average of 35.22. Meanwhile, Pant has played 8 matches here across formats and managed to bag 102 runs at an average of 25.50. Hence, it is safe to assume that Rahul has been more calm and composed at the crease, building innings.

In the overall ODI experience too, KL Rahul shares an unmatched legacy, whereas Pant's career is still, 'a work in progress.' For instance, Rahul celebrated his international ODI debut with a bang as he scored a century against Zimbabwe. Rahul also boasts 7 centuries in ODIs, meanwhile, Pant is yet to score his second century in the format since his debut in 2018.

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2. Better Player Against Spin

While both are agile with the gloves, Pant has been at the receiving end when it comes to facing spinners. Pant has always been an aggressive player who does not really tap into the nerve of the game and starts to fire all the guns from the very beginning. Consequently, his attack mode against spinners hasn't helped him in the long run, whereas KL Rahul shows better figures than him.

In their respective ODI careers, Pant has been dismissed 9 times from the 20 matches he faced against spinners; meanwhile, Rahul, a more classical player, has played 60 ODI matches against spinners and has been dismissed 20 times against them.

Hence, the stats show Pant having a dismissal rate of approximately 50% against spinners, while Rahul boasts a dismissal rate of 33%. Hence, on a spin-friendly track in Dubai, against spin-heavy nations like Bangladesh and Pakistan, Rahul will be a better anchor.

3. Marquee Event Experience and Form

KL Rahul has much better form than Rishabh Pant when it comes to their ODI careers. Yes, Pant is aggressive for sure with a better strike rate of 106.21 over Rahul's 87.31; however, strike rate is only the half side of the story.

Rahul has a better average than Pant in the overall ODI format which speaks of better authority over the conditions and longer stays at the crease.

Speaking of experience, Rahul's last ODI World Cup was remarkable as he boasts a total of 452 runs at an average of 75.33 in 10 matches. Meanwhile, Pant lacks such experience on a big stage in this format, with his last ODI encounters displaying poor figures of 6, 10, and 15.

Why Should Rohit Choose KL Rahul Over Pant?

Overall, while both players are assets of the Indian team, it must be understood that Rishabh Pant lacks patience, and his 'Pantball' approach can cost the team matches. Yes, the fiery keeper has proved his worth in the long format with his Gabba heroics in 2021, however, KL Rahul's class and temperament should be a safe gamble for Rohit Sharma to play in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

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