KL Rahul Rested from IND v ENG: Indian Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is likely to be rested for the white-ball series against England, starting in Kolkata on January 22. The home series includes five T20s and three ODIs, which hold significant importance ahead of the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19. However, Rahul will be available for selection for the Champions Trophy.
KL Rahul Requests Rest for England Series
India will play all its matches in Dubai for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with the remaining games set to take place in the host country Pakistan. According to a BCCI source, KL Rahul has requested a break for the England series but will be available for selection for the Champions Trophy 2025.
KL Rahul set to be rested for the White Ball series against England. (Gaurav Gupta/TOI). pic.twitter.com/iFxEEDkI5j
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2025
Competition for Wicketkeeper Spot
Rahul was one of the few bright spots for India in their recent Test series in Australia, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 276 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.66. Despite his strong performance, Rahul is competing with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeper-batsman spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
KL Rahul set to focus only on batting in the Test series against England. [Cricbuzz]
– Ishan Kishan is likely to return into the Test team. pic.twitter.com/OiqBlIMq19
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 10, 2024
Availability for Domestic Matches and Ranji Trophy
The star batter of India had also requested a break from Karnataka’s matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with their quarter-final scheduled over the weekend. It remains unclear whether he will be available for Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy campaign, as head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket participation following India’s series loss in Australia.
Selectors to Meet for Champions Trophy and England ODIs
The Indian selectors will meet on Saturday, January 11, to select a provisional squad for the Champions Trophy and the three ODIs against England. The final date for announcing the initial squad for the Champions Trophy is January 12.