Ever since MS Dhoni’s retirement, India could not rely on a single player in the role of a wicketkeeper option, as several players have often disappointed them. With the ICC Champions Trophy around the corner, glovesmen are to be considered for selection.
Rishabh Pant slowly became a genuine player in the role. However, after several injury scares, KL Rahul was India’s main man to take over the role. Rahul was also seen as India’s wicket-keeper batsman in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
However, Rahul was much blamed for his slow rate of striking the ball when considered for white-ball cricket; hence, with Pant’s return, he seems to be the first-choice keeper batsman for India.
Reports from renowned sports journalist Gaurav Gupta revealed that KL Rahul, who will be left out of the Indian side for the series against England, is likely to be assured of the selection into the final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Three players who can be backed as wicket-keepers for the Champions Trophy 2025
3. Sanju Samson
India has finally shown some faith in the veteran domestic batter Sanju Samson. Ever since Gautam Gambhir took over, he has offered crucial roles to the wicketkeeper-batsman, who also opened for India in the shortest format.
Samson’s form in the shorter format can also hand him a chance to be finally placed into the ODI side as well; he can be an ideal backup not only for the role of wicket-keeper but also can fill in the shoes of any player in the role of an opener or in the middle order.
2. KL Rahul
The other Indian superstar was not given the status of a wicket-keeper batter until Rishabh Pant was ruled out owing to injuries. However, Rahul gave services to India with the gloves, using his experience from domestic tournaments.
Rahul was recently seen playing for the Indian test side in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his form was considerably good. Rahul for the first time, has been considered for a limited-overs comeback since the last World Cup in 2023.
1. Rishabh Pant
Pant’s return since injury marked him excelling under different circumstances in test cricket, while he was also part of India’s iconic campaign in the T20 World Cup win at the United States.
Pant is widely known for his dynamic style of batting, his long leavers, and his crazy shots, which often bring the hearts out of the fans. Pant has also evolved as one of India’s finest current glovemen behind the stumps. Likely, Pant will be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper and best batter at no. 5.
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