As Team India gears up for the ODI series against Sri Lanka, the excitement is palpable. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the ODI squad after their T20I retirement, the team looks stronger than ever. However, one position that has sparked debate is the wicketkeeping slot. The dilemma? Choosing between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.
Pant to end his 661-day exile from ODIs?
Making his comeback in the 50-over format is Rishabh Pant. The past few months have been quite a revelation for the southpaw, who played his last ODI game way back in November 2022. It has been about 661 days since he played the format. Following his unfortunate car accident, Pant has made a stellar comeback in his cricketing career. He captained the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2024 and forced his way into the T20 World Cup 2024-winning team. India’s primary keeper in T20Is and Tests (now that he is back), Pant, is yet to nail the ODI format.
Yet to make ODIs his own but still has X-factor
He has thus far scored 865 runs at an average of 34.60 and at a great strike rate of 106.65. His century against England in Manchester still remains his highest point in the format. However, his white-ball game still requires some answers. Can he be an ideal finisher? Can he propel the team in case of an early collapse (similar to what KL has done quite well).
Regardless, Pant adds an X-factor with his unorthodox batting and penchant to dominate. His aggressive batting style and ability to take the game away from the opposition make him a valuable asset. Moreover, he can add a valuable left-hand option in the middle order which can lack if Rahul bats at number five.
KL Rahul: The deserving candidate?
To be honest, it would be harsh on KL Rahul if he finds himself on the bench in the 1st IND vs SL ODI. After all, he had a dream ODI World Cup 2023. Despite not being a certainty as an opener, Rahul found a new life in the middle-order. He batted after the likes of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer and completely ruled the roost. In fact, he made 452 runs at an outstanding average of 75.33. He even made a century and an unbeaten 97*.
Outstanding record at number 5
KL Rahul has been one of the best middle-order batters in ODIs in recent times. In fact, his numbers at batting slot number five are insane: 1259 runs at an average of 57.22 and at a strike rate of 95.45. This should ideally warrant his place in at that slot straightaway from the opening ODI. Rahul has time and again saved India from early collapses and he has that game sense on when to cash-in at different opportunities.
What about both Pant & KL Rahul?
Well, the top four of Team India are ideally fixed. Skipper Rohit Sharma, deputy Shubman Gill, the ODI GOAT Virat Kohli, and middle-over enforcer Shreyas Iyer. On the basis of the record, KL Rahul should bat at number five. If Gautam Gambhir plans not to drop Pant, then the southpaw can operate at number six. Only twice has Pant batted at number six in ODIs and has made just 45 runs at a strike rate of 97.82.
If Gambhir-Rohit decides to slot in Pant at number six, then he has to act as a finisher, which is not his ideal way to bat. Pant likes to get hold of the pitch first and then try to assert his dominance. Moreover, India will be one all-rounder short with this tactic. Instead, the visitors can opt for either Riyan Parag or Shivam Dube for the number six role.
