Thu Feb 13 11:09:53 UTC 2025: ## Rahul Confirmed as India’s Wicketkeeper for Champions Trophy, Pant Remains on Bench
**London:** India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed KL Rahul as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the upcoming Champions Trophy. This decision leaves explosive batsman Rishabh Pant, who was left out of the playing XI during the recent three-match ODI series against England, as a reserve.
While Rahul struggled in the first two ODIs batting at number six, he showed improved form in the third match, scoring a valuable 40 runs off 29 balls batting at his preferred number five position. This strong performance, coupled with India’s resounding 142-run victory, solidified his position.
Gambhir defended his decision to play Axar Patel ahead of Rahul in the earlier matches, stating that team interests are paramount. He also justified the omission of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the Champions Trophy squad, replaced by spinner Varun Chakravarthy, citing the need for a specialist wicket-taking bowler in the team’s composition. Gambhir added that Jaiswal has a bright future and that the team was limited to only fifteen players.
The coach emphasized Rahul’s current form and the team’s inability to accommodate two wicketkeeper-batsmen. While acknowledging that Pant will get opportunities in the future, Gambhir stated definitively that Rahul is the team’s number one wicketkeeper for now.
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