As India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against England in Nagpur, the team faces a critical decision regarding their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. The choice between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will have a significant impact on India’s squad selection for the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Former Indian cricketer and batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, opined that Rahul, due to his previous consistent performances, should be given the nod over Pant for the opening ODI. “The player who has proven himself in that role should get the first chance. Rahul’s performances, both as a batsman and wicketkeeper, particularly during the World Cup, were exceptional,” Bangar explained during a virtual media interaction by Star Sports.

While acknowledging Pant’s immense talent, Bangar emphasized Rahul’s all-around contributions, with the latter excelling in the 50-over World Cup, amassing 452 runs and 17 dismissals. Since Pant’s recovery from a car accident in August 2023, Rahul has assumed the wicketkeeper role.

In the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August 2024, Rahul played the first two matches, scoring 31 and 0. Pant returned in the third match but managed only six runs. Choosing Rahul would mean India’s top six would be entirely right-handed. In contrast, Pant’s inclusion would introduce a left-handed option into the lineup.

Bangar further stated that selecting both Rahul and Pant together in the XI seems unlikely. Instead, an all-rounder like Ravindra Jadeja could provide the required left-handed balance in the middle order. “Both cannot fit into the playing XI.

The series against England holds extra significance for captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, who are looking to regain form ahead of the Champions Trophy. Both players struggled in the Test series in Australia and failed to make an impact in their respective Ranji Trophy matches. Bangar believes that their performance in the England series will provide valuable insights into their readiness for the Champions Trophy.

“Rohit and Kohli are among the greatest white-ball cricketers, and their experience should give them confidence. How Rohit sets the tone at the top will be crucial, especially considering his recent lean patch. Their approach in the upcoming series will show whether they stick to their tried-and-tested methods,” Bangar remarked.

With concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy and Mohammad Shami’s workload, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could become a key figure in India’s pace attack. “He is adjusting well to the 50-over format. His ability to use short-pitched deliveries effectively, as shown in the T20 World Cup, will be key.