KL Rahul might have won the Fielder of the Match medal in the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh but his work behind the stumps in the game against New Zealand is a concern for India. Named as the first-choice keeper, Rahul has been picked in all group stage matches ahead of Rishabh Pant while the latter continues to warm the bench. The Karnataka star’s glove work in IND vs NZ wasn’t up to the mark and is now more or less a headache for India as they gear up to face Australia in the semi-final.
India win despite Rahul’s bloopers, but where is Pant?
There’s no doubt about Rahul‘s abilities behind the stumps. In fact, he kept wickets for India throughout the 2023 ODI World Cup in the absence of Pant. However, it is pertinent to point out that KL isn’t a specialist wicketkeeper as such while the southpaw is. In the game against New Zealand, Rahul was guilty of missing at least three catches while also leaking runs, which could have proved to be costly for India were it not for the success of the spinners.
Latest news
- IPL 2025: Aiden Markram silent observer in Mitchell Marsh powerplay carnage for LSG
- “Injured” Rohit Sharma’s plan comes to Hardik Pandya’s rescue, removes danger man Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni IPL 2025 salary and overall stats
First, he dropped Kane Williamson when the ex-New Zealand captain was on 1 run. The batter attempted to cut a delivery off his back foot and caught a thick inside edge off Axar Patel’s delivery. Rahul failed to collect the ball in time and it eventually burst out of his gloves, giving Kane an early lifeline.
In the 26th over, KL Rahul committed another blunder. Tom Latham managed to get an edge off Kuldeep Yadav’s delivery. Instead of collecting the ball sharly, Rahul let the ball pass through his legs, and the ball went on to reach the boundary, costing India extra runs. Skipper Rohit Sharma clearly wasn’t impressed by his glove work.
Rohit Sharma's reaction on
— Radha (@Rkc1511165) March 2, 2025
Kl Rahul's blunder behind the stumps.pic.twitter.com/lqYDjfvb7q
Next, in the 35th over, he dropped a catch off Jadeja’s delivery and once again it was Williamson who was given the reprieve. This time, the batter got an edge that richochetd off the glove of Rahul and a single was conceded.
What if kl Rahul drops head catch in knockout match ….
— spideyy
gautham gambhir what motivates you to drop world class keeper rishab pant for clown rahulpic.twitter.com/ojhFHX5xe2
(@pantstan17) March 2, 2025
While the team management has continued backing Rahul over Pant, the former’s keeping blunders is a point of concern, especially since India will next play Australia in the semi-final. Dropped catches and leaking of runs cannot be afforded as it could come back to haunt India in the knockout game. Meawnwhile, Pant is an experienced keeper who is arguably much better and more agile compared to KL behind the stumps. Were it not for KL Rahul’s role at number five, Pant could have easily fitted in the playing XI as the firs-choice keeper.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
MS Dhoni back as CSK captain? Ruturaj Gaikwad injury could see IPL's great skipper return in Chennai
Top Stories
