The next Ranji Trophy round will start on 23rd January and will see Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill in action, but someone who was continuously in talks will be missing. 

There were some doubts and questions about Virat Kohli playing Ranji from 23rd January as he was added to the squad but due to his neck pain, he was subject to availability. 

Now, Virat Kohli has informed BCCI that he has taken niggles so he won’t be able to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. 

It was priorly informed, that Virat Kohli took an injection on 8th January, 3 days after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

He has been ruled out from Delhi's game against Saurashtra in Rajkot, as he informed BCCI about his neck pain. 

KL Rahul will also not be able to participate in Ranji 

KL Rahul has an elbow issue due to which he won’t be able to participate in Karnataka’s match against Punjab in Bengaluru. 

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Named Vice-Captain for Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill as Standby

However, participation in domestic cricket has become mandatory for all players as BCCI has introduced a 10-point disciplinary policy. If a player is not able to play he will need permission from the national chairman of selectors. 

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have another chance to play in the Ranji Trophy, the final round in the group phase starting on 30th January. 

The Delhi Capitals (DC) are preparing for a thrilling IPL 2025 with a rebuilt squad and huge hopes. Following substantial changes at the auction table, DC has reinforced its roster with huge names. After losing Rishabh Pant and missing out on Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2025 big auction in Jeddah, the Capitals signed KL Rahul for a bargain of INR 14 crore.

Despite these acquisitions, their path to IPL success is filled with obstacles. However, the recently rebuilt group has the potential to do well in the upcoming 2025 edition. This article delves deep into the two key strengths and one weakness of the Delhi Capitals, who have yet to clinch their first-ever IPL title.  

Delhi Capitals 2025 IPL Squad: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Donavan Ferreira, Vipraj Nigam, Manvanth Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

2 Strengths:

Perfect captaincy arrangement

Though many people have debated his current form and intent, KL Rahul acts as one of the consistent campaigners in the modern days of the sport. Be it when obtaining crucial runs in varied positions or filling the captaincy shoes during the eleventh hour, the wicketkeeper batter has done it all. Though he might go through many lean patches, he has the calibre to produce some commendable comeback.

With Delhi Capitals parting ways with their long-term contributor, Rishabh Pant, the management was eager to seal a deal with a formidable captain for the long-term requirements. And for a stellar INR 14 Crores, Delhi Capitals have bought not just a power-hitter and wicketkeeper but also a perfect prospect for their vacant captaincy spot.  

Right duo of death-over specialists and spinmeisters

DC attempted to improve their bowling lineup, and they did an excellent job. The Capitals signed Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan for a spectacular amount, who are famed for their toe-crushing yorkers. Natarajan and Starc had successful IPL 2024 seasons and are eager to compete in IPL 2025. The final four overs are critical in a T20 contest, and DC has that covered, with Natarajan and Starc bowling the key and tricky overs at the finish.

Regarding spin alternatives, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel don't require an introduction. Other IPL clubs have tremendous spin bowling options, but when it comes to a partnership, particularly an Indian combination will prove to be decisive for the team's bowling unit. 

1 Weakness:

A perplexing batting order arrangement

The involvement of elite players such as KL Rahul and English batsman Harry Brook presents a quandary. Rahul's ideal position is No. 3, but his opener background may contradict team strategy. Similarly, Brook flourishes at the top of the hierarchy but may be demoted to make room for others. Balancing the team will be vital to realising their full potential, particularly for their new and potential captain, KL Rahul. 

However, with players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk similarly suited to the top order, the squad may find it challenging to put Rahul into his favourite position without disturbing the batting order. Though they are backed with star players with the bat, it's all about proper planning and strategy that would change the course of action towards Delhi Capitals' first-ever title.

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.

ALSO READ: Cricket Meets Reality TV: Shreyas Iyer, Chahal, and Shashank Singh on Bigg Boss 18 Set

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

The senior Indian men’s national selection committee is busy sorting out the squads for the upcoming home white-ball series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. One key Indian wicketkeeper-batter is likely to miss the upcoming home series against England.

Before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will host from February 19, India will host England in a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series.

See Also: India's Impressive 44-Year Streak: Unbeaten at Home in ODI Series Against England

KL Rahul is likely to be rested from the limited-overs series against England

According to a recent Times of India report, KL Rahul is unlikely to participate in the upcoming home white-ball series against England. While some Indian players, who were involved in the lengthy Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, are likely to be rested for the upcoming home white-ball series against England, Rahul is one of them.

The TOI report claimed that Rahul’s place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is confirmed. A TOI source claimed, “Rahul’s place is confirmed for the ICC Champions Trophy, and the selectors have decided to rest him against England.” In this case, the selectors can go with Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, or Ishan Kishan for the upcoming limited-overs series against England.

In the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Rahul’s batting position wasn’t fixed. Still, he was the third-leading run-scorer for India on that Australia tour, where the right-handed batter scored 276 runs with an average of 30.66, including two half-centuries. He performed well in that series. 

While Rahul is an important name in the ODI squad, he hasn’t played a T20I match since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final defeat against England. 

In-form Varun Chakravarthy can make ODI debut

The 33-year-old leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has taken 19 wickets in 13 T20Is, is also on the line for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 selections. So, he can make his ODI debut in the upcoming home ODI series against England. He is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing domestic List A tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, with 18 wickets, including two fifers.

The squad of Champions Trophy 2025 is on their way, the last date given by ICC is 12th January. According to reports, BCCI will also announce the squad on 12th January.

The Champions Trophy will start on 19 February and the last match of the ODI series is on 12 February, against England before that, Team India will have to leave for Dubai. 

In between all this, BCCI has to announce the squad of both the CT and ODI series. The squad for the champions trophy and ODI series against England will be the same as there is no such gap between both. 

According to reports, there is uncertainty about Jasprit Bumrah’s selection due to injury. And now the new report of PTI tells that Mohammed Shami and KL Rahul will also not be in the Champions Trophy squad and there will be toss-up between two all-rounders Jadeja and Axar Patel. 

Also Read: Rohit and Kohli to play England Test series despite a horrid show in BGT: Reports

Why not Shami, KL Rahul and Jadeja?

Mohammed Shami has been away from international cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an ankle injury, then he underwent a knife for the same but had a knee injury after that. 

After that Shami bowled 43 overs in Ranji Trophy in November and played Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy. However, due to his knee injury he was ruled out for remaing two test match of the series. 

The last time KL Rahul played in ODI match was against Sri Lanks and the only scored 31 runs 2 innings. 

KL Rahul's selection in the Champions Trophy will be based on his performance in the 3-match ODI series against England. 

There is toss up between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel

Ravindra Jadeja has not performed much in the 2023 ODI World Cup and has not done much in 2024 T20 WC. On the other side, Axar Patel has more contribution than Ravindra Jadeja in the recent WC.

But the kind of fielder Ravindra Jadeja is, he cannot be replaced by any from the Indian Cricket Team as of now.

Now on January 12, it will confirm who will be selected for the Champions Trophy and who remains only till the England ODI series.

In January 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the fifth Test match between India and Australia, there was an absurd moment that made everyone very happy. Rishabh Pant was batting in the 46th against Beau Webster, who was playing his first match, when he hit a very big hit that went over the boundary. The ball went flying deep into the stands, and it was both incredible and silly because the ground staff actually had to get a ladder to go obtain the ball back.

ALSO READ:Afghanistan's Playing XI Featuring Rashid Khan: Roles and Players Breakdown

Pant's hit was not only extremely strong but also really accurate.

The shot from Pant was so powerful and perfectly done, it clearly demonstrated how he's noticeably about attacking when he bats. All the people on social media were discussing it, saying how brave Pant is and how amazing he played. A few people even thought it was the best moment of the year.

Pant proved he's utterly tough and difficult, despite taking hits from Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, he didn't quit. He faced some hard times during the season but what really shined was his determination and batting skills.

Pant repeated the action! A major hit he just smacked down has definitely stretched his record of exceptionally wonderful performances, really showing us he's not only any player in cricket he's seriously brave and very exciting to watch. By just performing his role on the field, he manages to pull all eyes towards him every time he plays.Moves like that simply show his style of playing is characterized by bravery.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were dismissed for scores of 10 and 4 runs, respectively. Shubman Gill contributed 20 runs to the total, while Virat Kohli made 17 runs. With four wickets lost early, star batter Rishabh Pant has been working hard to steady the innings for his team.

A six so big the ground staff needed a ladder to retrieve it!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oLUSw196l3

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

The fourth day of the Brisbane Test was thrilling and entertaining despite multiple rain interruptions. At the end of the day, India just managed to avoid the follow-on, which pushed the game toward a lame draw, except for any big surprises on the rain-forecast fifth day. 

In the reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs, India started the fourth day at 51/4. The drama started from the first ball of the sunshine fourth day as the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins generated an edge from the opener KL Rahul’s bat, but Steven Smith dropped that simple catch at the slip. It hurt the hosts as Rahul played a memorable knock. 

KL Rahul scored 84; Josh Hazlewood can't bowl more in the Test

Although the Indian captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 10 runs after setting a 30-run partnership for the fifth wicket, Rahul got strong support from experienced Ravindra Jadeja, who is playing his first Test of the series. 

Also, Australia soon hit hard with massive injury news as Josh Hazlewood only managed to bowl one over of the day. While he went back to the dressing room early, it was later confirmed that he would miss the remainder of the Test match due to a right-sided calf strain. It has forced the hosts to carry on with one key bowler short. As a result, Mitchell Marsh delivered two overs, and Travis Head bowled one over. 

Rahul and Jadeja had a 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket. After completing his half-century in 85 balls, Rahul continued his incredible controlled innings. In the long first session, Rahul was ultimately dismissed after an incredible catch by Steven Smith at slip in Nathan Lyon’s over. 

Ravindra Jadeja scored 77 runs

After Rahul was dismissed with 84 off 139 balls (eight fours), Jadeja controlled the innings with the in-form lower-order batter Nitish Kumar Reddy. Once again, Nitish showed his presence of mind in the difficult game situation by supporting Jadeja with his patient batting. Before he was bowled by Cummins for 16 runs, which he scored after facing 61 balls, he had a valuable 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Later, Mohammed Siraj lost his wicket for one run, while Jadeja fought hard. After completing his 50 runs off 82 balls, Jadeja scored 77 off 123 balls (six fours and one six) before he was caught out at deep square leg. When Jadeja went to the dressing room, India were struggling at 213/9, and they were still 33 runs short to avoid the follow-on. 

Bumrah and Akash Deep surprised with the bats

While the vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah held the wicket patiently, the no.11 batter Akash Deep stunned by his batting performance. The last batter hit a four at the crucial time, which ultimately became the last over of the day, and confirmed India’s avoidance of the follow-on. After rescuing the visitors, Akash Deep slammed a sixer to Cummins, and after the next ball, bad light stopped the game. Soon, the day was also called off. 

Watch: Kohli-Gambhir celebrate together after Akash Deep's heroic save

India scored 252/9 at the end of the day. While Bumrah scored 10 not out off 27 balls with one sixer, Akash Deep scored 27 not out off 31 balls with two fours and one six. They already set a 39-run partnership in 54 balls for the unbroken 10th wicket. 

Among the Australian bowlers, skipper Pat Cummins took four wickets (4/80), while Mitchell Starc bagged three wickets (3/83). Josh Hazlewood (1/22) and Nathan Lyon (1/54) have also taken one wicket each.

Indian opener KL Rahul played a memorable knock during India’s first innings of the Brisbane Test. However, the right-handed batter’s unforgettable innings ended after the former Australian captain Steven Smith’s stunning catch. 

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs in the Brisbane Test, under pressure India started the crucial fourth day at 51/4. Starting the day at 33 not out, Rahul was dropped on the first delivery of the day as Steven Smith dropped a sitter on the skipper Pat Cummins’ delivery. That drop cost the hosts heavily as Rahul played one of his memorable Test innings.

After the first delivery on the fourth day, Rahul looked solid with the bat. Although captain Rohit Sharma was out for 10 runs, Rahul had a 30-run partnership with the skipper. Then, Rahul had a crucial sixth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. 

Watch: Anurag Thakur got a life in a friendly match against Kiren Rijiju

KL Rahul completed his half-century in 85 balls

While the Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has brought fresh injury concerns, Rahul and Jadeja controlled most of the first session of the fourth day. Rahul completed his half-century in 85 balls. 

Rahul completely controlled the innings while Jadeja provided the perfect support to him. Sadly, Rahul was out as Smith took a blinder to deny Rahul’s special Test hundred.

Rahul scored 84 runs before stunning dismissal by the fielder Steven Smith

In the 43rd over of the innings, while the off-spinner Nathan Lyon was bowling, Rahul set up a tough catch for the only slip fielder Smith. While the reaction time was tiny, Smith dived to successfully grab that opportunity. The Indian right-handed batter scored 84 off 139 balls with the help of eight fours. 

WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!

Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024

At lunch, India scored 167/6 as they were still 79 runs behind to avoid the follow-on. At the end of the first session, Jadeja was not out at 41 off 77 balls with four fours, and Nitish Kumar Reddy was not out at seven runs. 

IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has applauded star India batter KL Rahul. Notably, Rahul was associated with LSG from 2022 to 2024 after joining them for Rs 17 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, he scored 1410 runs in 38 matches. Under his leadership, LSG finished in the top four of the IPL 2022 points table and secured a place in the playoffs as well.

The star India batter was released by LSG before the IPL 2025 mega auction, which took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Notably, he joined Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore and is likely to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the IPL as well.

"He served as Lucknow captain for three years and performed well as a batter" - Sanjiv Goenka on KL Rahul

During his recent appearance on the TRS show, Sanjiv Goenka was asked about KL Rahul, and in response he also said that Rahul is like his family.

“KL mere liye hamesha se family rahe hai and hamesha family rahenge. He served as Lucknow captain for three years and performed well as a batter. Mere dil se unke liye hamesha dua hi niklegi, no matter what happens. He is a very gentle man. He is so talented. Jitna unka talent hai, vo ubhar ke bahar aaye. I have so much love and respect for him in my heart," Goenka said.

SEE ALSO: 'Good to see him working on the game' - Harbhajan Singh on Virat Kohli

"I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni" - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka also applauded legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and shared why the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is the greatest captain.

“I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni. It’s crazy how even to this day he keeps reinventing himself. Just look at Pathirana, a baby bowler. Don’t know where MS saw him and now groomed him into a lethal match winner. He knows how to use his players well, and he keeps on thinking. Whenever I interact with him, I always learn something," Goenka said.

“I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions, and I told my grandson, ‘Leave him now.’ Dhoni replied, ‘Let it be; I am enjoying this conversation.’ Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others, and that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him," he concluded.

The Adelaide day-night pink-ball Test match started in a dramatic fashion. After the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the first ball, his opening partner KL Rahul got two huge lucks in one over.

After deciding to bat first, Rohit Sharma-led team India had a poor start as Yashsavi Jaiswal was dismissed on the first ball of the match as Mitchell Starc trapped him for a lbw. Since then, Shubman Gill has been playing very well while the other opener KL Rahul was struggling to get off the mark. 

No-ball saved KL Rahul's caught behind 

Scott Boland joined the Australian playing XI for the pink-ball Test as the replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood. It was the first ball of Boland in this series, who came to bowl in the eighth over, and he was successful in trapping Rahul. The extra bounce worked in the favour of Boland as Rahul had a thick edge and was caught behind. While Rahul was walking back to the dressing room for 0 off 19 balls, English umpire Richard Illingworth signaled a no-ball, which saved the Indian opener.  

Usman Khawaja dropped Rahul

In that same over, Boland set up for another good opportunity. The Aussie pacer delivered a full-length ball that found a thick edge from Rahul’s bat and went to the first slip. Usman Khawaja was fielding at the first slip, and he dropped the low catch. 

Rahul scored 37 runs

Ultimately Rahul scored a crucial 37 runs off 64 balls with the help of six fours before Starc took his wicket just before the dinner. It was Starc's new spell, where the left-arm fast bowler set up a short-of-length delivery, an extra bounce trapped unconfident Rahul who had a thick edge. Nathan McSweeney took a sharp low catch at the gully. 

'KL'ucky Rahul! 😮‍💨#ScottBoland’s dramatic start to the #PinkBallTest: No-ball dismissal of #KLRahul on the first delivery and a dropped catch on the fifth ball! 🏏🎭

Will he make it BIG now? 👀#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/dCYLDKv2Pd

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024