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In the midst of India‘s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025, a key selection debate has gripped cricket fans: why is head coach Gautam Gambhir favoring KL Rahul over the dynamic Rishabh Pant as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs?
Notably, Rahul dropped a catch and missed a stumping in India’s opening game at the global event against Bangladesh, which led to many fans questioning his place and wondering why Pant is not getting preference over Rahul.
Speaking about the same, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has stepped in to provide clarity and revealed why exactly the Indian head coach Gambhir is picking Rahul over Pant in India’s playing XI in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Sourav Ganguly analysis reason behind KL Rahul’s selection over Rishabh Pant
Ganguly minced no words when explaining the rationale behind Gambhir’s preference. The former India skipper reckoned Rahul has much better numbers as a batter in ODIs compared to Pant and that’s the reason why Gambhir is going after Rahul as first choice wicket-keeper.
“India are such a strong side, especially in batting. Pant is very good. But Rahul has fantastic numbers in ODIs. So, I think that’s the reason Gautam Gambhir has backed Rahul,” said Ganguly as quoted by PTI.
Also READ: Ravindra Jadeja takes a hilarious jibe on KL Rahul after presenting him the fielding medal post India’s triumph over Bangladesh | Champions Trophy 2025
Numbers of Rahul and Pant in ODIs
The numbers indeed tell a story of consistency and excellence. Rahul, with 81 ODIs under his belt, has amassed 2,944 runs at an average of 48.26, boasting a strike rate of 87.74. His record includes seven centuries and 18 fifties, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
Compare this to Pant’s ODI tally: in 31 matches, he has scored 871 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.2, with one century and five fifties. While Pant’s aggressive approach and flair are undeniable, Rahul’s superior average and greater volume of runs highlight his reliability—attributes that seem to resonate with Gambhir’s vision for the team in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Ganguly’s endorsement of Rahul’s stats suggests that Gambhir is prioritizing a proven performer in a format where consistency can often trump explosiveness.
