Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has picked KL Rahul ahead of Rishabh Pant as India’s first choice wicket-keeper for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. Rahul is also expected to be India’s first-choice wicket-keeper bat in the Champions Trophy as he has done a fantastic job while batting at number five.
Pant has scored 871 runs in 31 ODI matches at an average of 33.5 whereas Rahul has amassed 2851 runs in 77 ODIs at an average of 49.16. Uthappa noted that Rahul’s ODI numbers speak for themselves as he has performed consistently.
Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube Channel, “I think KL Rahul should be picked in ODIs. Both [including Rishabh Pant] should be picked in the playing XI but KL Rahul should be given preference. His numbers speak much better than Rishabh Pant.”
Rahul had scored 452 runs in 11 matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup at an average of 75.33.
Uthappa noted that Pant hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations in the white-ball formats. The former flamboyant batter added Rahul is a more flexible batter than Pant.
“Rishabh Pant’s numbers are not strong in ODI cricket. He hasn’t lived up to his potential because he is a better current player in the Test team but his white-ball performances haven’t been too good so far.”
“If only one plays, I will select KL Rahul because he’s a much more flexible player. He can play in the top gear and low gear. He can play defensive and attacking roles as well. He hasn’t done any favors for himself by batting slowly in the last 18 months but KL Rahul should be picked first,” he added.
The first ODI between India and England will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Thursday.
