KL Rahul Makes Himself Unavailable for the White Ball Series Against England, Assured of a Spot in the Champions Trophy Squad

Wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul has made himself unavailable for the white-ball series against England, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs. He needs a much-needed break after a long and challenging tour of Australia, where he played all five Test matches and was among the top three Indian batters in an otherwise struggling batting lineup.

The Choice

Rahul who was exceptional behind the stumps during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India might not be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai given the fact that Rishabh Pant is fit and available for the multination tournament and also because he gives a left-handed batting option in the middle order which India lacked in the 2023 World Cup.

The Plan

 Rahul has been assured of a place in India’s 15-member squad for the multination tournament. “He has sought a break for the England series, but he will be available for selection for the Champions Trophy,” a BCCI source told PTI on Thursday.

The Opportunity

With Yashasvi Jaiswal all set to be picked as the backup opener, it is safe to say that KL might find himself keeping wickets if the team management decides to give Rishabh rest in a match or two. With the two wicketkeepers slot all but certain for the Champions Trophy the home series against England provides an opportunity for Sanju Samson who has made himself available for selection to continue the good form that he had shown in the T20I series against South Africa in order to be among the standbys for the eight-team tournament.

The Combination

As far as the bowling department is concerned India might go with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the two all-rounders given their recent performances because Jadeja’s returns in white ball cricket have also diminished since the ODI World Cup. 

The Comeback 

If we talk about the fast bowling department experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami is expected to feature in India’s three-match ODI series at home against England with Siraj who is expected to share the new ball with him and Arshdeep completing the trio to make India’s fast bowling department.