The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly asked wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul to participate in the upcoming white-ball series against England. This development comes amidst earlier reports suggesting that Rahul had requested rest from the series, a request which was initially approved by the board as he was believed to have secured his place in the Champions Trophy squad for February.
India is set to host England for five T20Is and three ODIs starting January 22. Rahul, who featured in all five Tests during India’s recent tour of Australia, was earlier grouped with senior players like skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, all expected to rest for the ODI series after a grueling tour.
However, the selectors seem to have reconsidered their decision. According to a source quoted by The Times of India, the board now wants Rahul to play the ODI series to gain valuable match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy.
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“The selectors initially decided to rest Rahul… However, they had a rethink, and the BCCI has now asked him to play in the ODI series so that he gains some match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy,” the source revealed.
KL Rahul’s request rejected!https://t.co/0NUTbr8pNM
— CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT) January 11, 2025
Rahul last played an ODI in August 2024 against Sri Lanka, which was India’s only ODI series that year. His versatility as a batter across the order and as a wicketkeeper makes him an asset, especially at the number five spot in ODIs. Despite criticism for his performance in the 2023 World Cup final, Rahul had an impressive tournament, scoring 452 runs at an average of 75.33.
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Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently shared his perspective on Rahul’s career trajectory. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar said, “We thought his knock of 80 in Brisbane might change his career, but inconsistency remains his Achilles’ heel. He has the ability but struggles to sustain it.”
Rahul now has a fresh opportunity to solidify his position and silence critics ahead of the Champions Trophy, a tournament crucial to India’s plans.
