New Delhi: It goes almost without saying that the selection of India’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is pretty straightforward in most positions; however, it is the certain key positions which continue to provoke debate among ex-players, experts, and fans. In fact, three top contenders seem to be at the forefront to fill the coveted role of wicket-keeper batter. KL Rahul has been the first choice wicket-keeper batter for India for a considerable time in ODIs, while Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson have been other major contenders. This brings in Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar, ex-cricketers from India who were criticized by selecting a team with 15 members for the tournament and then removing Pant.
Rishabh Pant made a comeback to competitive ODI cricket in 2024 in India’s three-match series against Sri Lanka. Even after returning, Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar were not keen on having Pant in their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Pant was away from cricket for a long time. He did make a good return in T20Is and Test, but he never had that good form in ODI cricket. KL Rahul should be your first-choice keeper,” said former India batting coach Bangar, speaking on Star Sports, according to Hindustan Times.
Sanjay Manjrekar advocated for the inclusion of Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant as India’s backup wicket-keeper for the ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizing Samson’s suitability for the role.
“I have been a good believer in Samson. Yes he wasn’t scoring runs initially and maybe he isn’t a fit down the order. But if India want a big hitter for the last 10 overs, and I agree with Sanjay Bangar on Pant,” said Manjrekar.
Rishabh Pant played only one of the three ODIs against Sri Lanka. Batting at No. 4, he could not make much of an impact and scored just six runs off nine deliveries.
Meanwhile, there is no improvement for Sanju Samson either. While he showed promise in T20Is, he was overlooked for Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament, as he didn’t report to a preparatory camp with the team.
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