Even though Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had already clarified that KL Rahul was their first-choice keeper for the Champions Trophy 2025, an injury to reserve Rishabh Pant is the last thing anyone would want. On Sunday, the latter had suffered a freak knee injury during the practice session in Dubai, that had left everyone a bit concerned, with Pant leaving with a limp.
Rishabh Pant Back to Practice for Champions Trophy 2025
But then in what comes as a good news, Rishabh Pant returned to practice on Monday without any strapping on his knee at the ICC Academy. As per a report in the TOI, the southpaw was hit on his knee when a shot from Hardik Pandya hit him hard, near the nets.
Rishabh Pant winning the heart of all cricket fans in UAE.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 17, 2025[RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/oqmMpLxDb4
Returning to the practice, the 27-year-old skipped the fielding drills, and focused on his batting. Gambhir was also visibly chuffed with the former returning to the field. Meanwhile, India will play their first match against Bangladesh in Dubai, on Feb 20, followed by the much-anticipated IND vs PAK match at the same venue on Feb 23. India will play their last group match on March 2 vs New Zealand.
Still KL Rahul Over Pant
Despite this, Rishabh Pant might not get a chance to be a part of the playing XI, that was also visible during the IND vs ENG ODI series as well. On that, Gambhir had said, “KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper, and this is what I can say at the moment. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but at the moment, it is KL who has done well, and we cannot play two wicketkeeper-batters.”
On the other hand, team’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has returned home due to a personal tragedy. The South African reportedly lost his father, with the coach not taking part in the training session on Monday. There is no clarity as to when he would be back with the team, or if he would be a part of the Champions Trophy.
