Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his weight behind KL Rahul as Team India's first-choice wicket-keeper in ODI cricket. The endorsement comes ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and after Rahul's stellar performance in a recent match against England.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has called KL Rahul India's number one wicketkeeper ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also said that Rishabh Pant will get his chances.

KL Rahul, who presided over the wicket-keeping gloves in the three ODIs against England, made a substantial outing with the bat in the third game in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, scoring 40 off 29 balls batting at No.

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that KL Rahul is team's first-choice wicketkeeper going into the Champions Trophy and the flamboyant Rishabh Pant is not being considered as an option in the playing eleven in the immediate future.

"Ultimately, it is very difficult to talk about individuals. But all I can say is that if he is part of the squad, when the time comes, he might get an opportunity. But at the moment, obviously, KL is the No.

Former India captain and chairman of selectors feels given Rahul’s past record, he is best suited to bat at No 5

Srikkanth further suggested that if Rahul is to bat at No. 6, then Rishabh Pant should be given that position. He voiced his concerns over sidelining Pant and predicted that he might play in the third ODI and the Champions Trophy.