Priyanka Tiwari
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One of the most critical decisions for Team India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is selecting the wicketkeeper-batsman for the playing eleven. With the top order already secured by Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, there is room for only one among KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the playing XI.
Is There a Way to Play Both Rahul and Pant?
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has hinted that KL Rahul will be the preferred choice as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the playing XI. However, there is a strategy through which both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant can be included in the squad.
In this scenario:
- Rishabh Pant would take up the role of wicketkeeper-batsman.
- KL Rahul would play as a specialist batter and finisher in the lower order.
To accommodate both players, Team India would have to sacrifice a star player from the lineup.
India's Predicted Top Order
For the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India's batting lineup will likely be structured as follows:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
The real challenge begins with selecting the middle and lower order.
Ideal Batting Order with Both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant
- Rishabh Pant at No. 5 (providing aggressive batting and wicketkeeping).
- KL Rahul at No. 6 (as a finisher).
- Hardik Pandya at No. 7 (as an all-rounder and third pacer).
- Ravindra Jadeja at No. 8 (as a spin all-rounder).
Who Will Be Left Out?
To fit both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, Team India may have to leave out all-rounder Axar Patel. Additionally, the bowling lineup would likely include:
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Shami
- Varun Chakravarthy (as a specialist spinner)
- Hardik Pandya (as the third pacer)
Will This Formula Work for India?
If India adopts this strategy, both Pant and Rahul can contribute significantly—Pant providing stability at No. 5 and Rahul finishing games at No. 6. If successful, this approach could strengthen India's chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Would you support this strategy? Share your thoughts!
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