KL Rahul to Feature in England Series Ahead of Champions Trophy

Selectors Back Rahul for Champions Trophy

The national selectors believe in KL Rahul's skills, so they told him he will be in the Indian team for the next ICC Champions Trophy happening in February. Rahul's going to be the middle-order batter and wicketkeeper for the ODIs.

England Series: A Key Preparation Ground

Rahul is preparing carefully for an eight-game series against England that starts on January 22 in Kolkata. It's an interesting combination of three ODIs and five T20Is. This series is of significant consequence for Rahul, especially in the 50-over format, as it's very important practice for him.

Rahul’s ODI Form: A Vital Asset

Even though Rahul hasn't been playing in India's T20 games lately, he's still vitally important in ODIs. He's not only amazing at staying calm and scoring runs in the middle order, but he is very good at being a player who catches the ball behind the batsman and hits the ball with a bat too. The group choosing players think his performance is key for India to do well in the Champions Trophy.

The BCCI has asked KL Rahul to participate in the ODI series Vs England. (Gaurav Gupta/TOI). pic.twitter.com/htuvNfSzrE

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Comeback Opportunity

Rahul's getting a chance to demonstrate what he's become and get back to his best again since he hasn't been playing much lately. Everyone, including the fans and the individuals, or people who pick the team, are going to watch him closely as he gets ready to lead India's middle order when the pressure's really on.

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Fixture Details

Rahul's going to return into the international cricket scene during the England series, and that's very big for getting India ready for the Champions Trophy. The team's going to start with the first T20I in Kolkata, then they'll play in other major cities. Starting from the ODI matches, Rahul plans to do well in his place on the team.

KL Rahul's inclusion in the ODI series against England highlights the selectors' confidence in his abilities as a key player for the Champions Trophy. With his proven track record in the middle order and behind the stumps, Rahul's performance in this series will be crucial not just for his individual momentum but also for India’s preparation for the high-stakes ICC event. The England series serves as an ideal platform for Rahul to fine-tune his game and reaffirm his importance in the Indian lineup, setting the tone for a strong campaign in February.

India vs England ODI schedules

February 6, 2025: 1st ODI (Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur) – 13:30

February 9, 2025: 2nd ODI (Barabati Stadium, Cuttack) – 13:30

February 12, 2025: 3rd ODI (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad) – 13:30

Indian complete ODI squads

The announcement is expected soon.

England complete ODI squads

Jos Buttler (Captain, wk), Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood

KL Rahul Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s	Ct	St
Tests	58	101	4	3257	199	33.57	6168	52.80	8	17	387	26	74	0
ODIs	77	72	14	2851	112	49.15	3256	87.56	7	18	226	61	63	5
T20Is	72	68	8	2265	110*	37.75	1628	139.12	2	22	191	99	23	1
FC	103	177	7	7262	337	42.71	13394	54.21	18	36	899	59	117	0
List A	129	124	19	4861	131	46.29	5950	81.69	11	31	395	92	101	9
T20s	226	213	32	7586	132*	41.91	5584	135.85	6	65	643	311	112	10