Team India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is reportedly set to miss the upcoming white-ball series against England. A key player in the ODI middle order, Rahul has not featured in a T20I match since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final in Adelaide. Rahul was one of the standout performers for India in the recent Border-Gavaskar series.
The Karnataka batter re-established himself as an opening option in Tests after his impressive performances in Australia. With Rohit Sharma unavailable, Rahul stepped up as an opener, securing his spot after a stellar knock in Perth, except for a brief stint at No. 3 during the Boxing Day Test.
Following a demanding tour of Australia, several senior players are likely to be rested for the home series against England. Despite the series being India’s only preparation opportunity for the Champions Trophy, workload management could lead to a mix of key players and second-string options in the squad.
As per a Times of India report, KL Rahul is a guaranteed pick for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“Rahul has been assured of his spot in the Champions Trophy. Hence, he will be rested from the England series,” a source tracking developments told TOI.
KL Rahul captained Team India in the ODI series following the 2023 ODI World Cup and was part of the 0-2 series defeat to Sri Lanka in August 2024.
KL Rahul recently withdrew from the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout stages
As per a Sportstar report, KL Rahul has chosen to take a break after a demanding Border-Gavaskar series and will miss the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout stage, starting January 11. Karnataka, having reached the quarterfinals, will face Baroda in Vadodara.
The ODI series against England begins on February 6, while the Ranji Trophy’s second phase starts on January 23. It remains unclear if Rahul will make himself available for the first-class competition.
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