KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson? Who should be India’s wicket keeper for Champions Trophy 2025

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits ICC Champions Trophy 2025India are at a crucial crossroads, ready to field a team capable of lasting impact. Known for its stellar results in ICC tournaments, India has often been a dominant force in global cricket. Memories of the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, where India lifted the trophy MS Dhonileadership, still resonate with fans, serving as a reminder of their potential on the big stage.

The upcoming edition of the tournament, which will be held across Pakistan and the UAE, presents a golden opportunity for India to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of ODI cricket. With the sting of their near misses in the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2023 ODI World Cup still fresh, this is a chance for redemption and a moment to reassert their status as one of the cricketing powers of the world. The team’s performance will not only be a confirmation of their preparedness, but also a reflection of their hunger to achieve glory again.

Goalkeeper conundrum for India

The selection for the Indian team, particularly for the goalkeeper position, has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits. The core of the debate revolves around three key players: Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Each brings a unique skill set and has a different impact on team composition:

India’s strategy often involves balancing the batting line-up with players who can adapt to different positions. The choice of goalkeeper significantly affects this balance, especially with the availability of various players such as Hardik Pandya who can bat lower down the order.

While all three are capable, Rahul has shown remarkable improvement behind the stumps, especially in the 2023 World Cup. But at the same time, Pant’s agility and Samson’s reliable glovework in T20s are also coming to the fore.

Also READ: Navjot Singh Sidhu picks Indian bowling squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Hitting Impact: Herein lies the real debate

Rahul has been an ODI stalwart, especially in the middle order, where he can anchor the innings or step up as needed. His experience and performance in high-pressure matches such as the 2023 World Cup make him a prime candidate.

Pant is known for his explosive batting, providing the team with a dynamic left-arm option in the middle order. His return from injury and performance during the T20 World Cup 2024 have been closely watched for his potential impact in ODIs.

Meanwhile, Samson has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in the shorter formats, with the ability to score quickly and change the dynamics of the game with big hits. However, his consistency in ODIs is less tested.

ODI statistics and impact analysis

KL Rahul

• Matches: 77
• Number of performances: 2,851
• Average: 49.15
• Strike Rate: 87.56
• 50s/100s: 18/7

influence: Rahul’s experience and ability to work under pressure make him the choice for stability in the middle order. His dual role as a keeper and batsman adds depth to the team.

Rishabh Pant

• Matches: 31
• Number of performances: 871
• Average: 33.50
• Strike Rate: 106.21
• 50s/100s: 5/1

influence: Pant’s aggressive style can change the game. His slugging percentage and strikeout rate reflect his ability to score quickly, adding an element of unpredictability to the batting lineup. However, his ODI consistency is under scrutiny.

Sanju Samson

• Matches: 16
• Number of performances: 510
• Average: 56.66
• Strike Rate: 99.60
• 50s/100s: 3/1

influence: Samson’s recent T20I performances have brought him into the limelight, but his ODI record, while promising, lacks the volume to finally measure his impact. His selection would be based more on potential and current form. However, among the three batsmen, Samson has the best average in ODIs.

Who should be chosen?

Given the data and current discussions, Rahul emerges as the likely first choice due to his experience and consistent performances in ODIs. His selection ensures a solid and flexible batting order with the added advantage of keeping wickets.

Pant should be included in his X-factor. His ability to change the pace of the game with his left-arm batting is invaluable, especially in the context of a balanced line-up that can counter a variety of bowling attacks.

Similarly, Samson could be a strategic choice as a backup, taking advantage of his form and potential to disrupt opposition plans. However, his selection may depend on whether the team opts for another specialty goaltender or trusts its existing depth options.

Also READ: Harsha Bhogle picks his India squad for Champions Trophy 2025; no place for Jasprit Bumrah