Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 09, 2025, 10:30 PM
Champions Trophy: Every cricket lover is eagerly waiting for the Champions Trophy 2025, and just before this tournament, Team India has to play T20 and ODI series against England, which is considered important in terms of India's preparation. The selection of Team India's squad for both these series and the Champions Trophy remains a topic of great discussion. In this discussion, one name is constantly in the headlines - star wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul.Rest for KL Rahul, still likely to be included in the Champions TrophyIt has been decided to rest KL Rahul in the eight-match series against England, but despite this the selection committee has assured that he will be selected for the Champions Trophy. This decision is a bit surprising, as Rahul will not be seen playing either in T20 or ODI in both the series against England. Despite this, his name will be included in the squad of 15 players selected for the Champions Trophy.Shocking decision: Is this decision right?This decision is considered surprising because KL Rahul has not been a part of the T20 team for a long time and the possibility of his presence was already low. But the decision to rest him in the ODI series seems unexpected, because Team India has already returned from Australia and the ODI series against England is to start from February 6. Rahul had enough time to prepare himself at this time. If the selection committee has trusted him for the Champions Trophy, it would have been better if he had tested his form and fitness by playing the ODI series, instead of directly putting him in a big tournament.Is Rahul's rest due to family?Another possibility could be that KL Rahul himself has asked for rest from BCCI. His wife Athiya Shetty is going to be a mother soon, and Rahul and Athiya are going to be parents for the first time. This is a special moment, and Rahul might want to spend this occasion with his wife. In such a situation, the selection committee may have decided to give him rest, so that he can enjoy this family happiness to the fullest.Rahul's selection as main wicketkeeper: Was it already decided?At the same time, another aspect is that the selection committee has already selected Rahul as the main wicketkeeper, especially after his brilliant performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since he played this role well in the World Cup, after resting Rahul, Team India is looking for a backup wicketkeeper, like by giving a chance to either Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant, they want to decide on a suitable option in this role.ConclusionThe selection of KL Rahul for the Champions Trophy is definitely an important decision. This move of the selection committee is somewhat surprising, but understanding his personal situation and the long-term plan of the team, this decision also seems justified. Now it remains to be seen to what extent it will be correct to send Rahul directly into such a big tournament without any match practice, and whether this selection process will be beneficial for Team India.