These Two Wicket Keepers Are More Deserving For The ICC Champions Trophy 2025
As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the competition among wicketkeepers is intense. KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant are vying for selection based on their recent performances.
Recent ODI tournaments played by these players
Rahul and Kishan’s last ODI tournament was the World Cup in 2023. During the ICC World Cup 2023, KL Rahul played in 10 innings across 11 matches for India, amassing a total of 452 runs at a steady strike rate of 90.76. His innings included 38 boundaries (4s) and 9 sixes, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and score effectively throughout the tournament.
Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, participated in 2 innings spread over 2 matches, contributing 47 runs at a strike rate of 97.92. His innings featured 5 fours and 2 sixes, demonstrating his aggressive batting approach and ability to score quickly when given the chance on the international stage.
Rishabh Pant’s last ODI tournament was the ICC World Cup 2019, where he played in four matches, showcasing his batting prowess with an aggregate of 116 runs at an average of 29.00 and a highest score of 48. He did not achieve a half-century or century but maintained a commendable scoring rate of 89.23. In the field, he contributed with one catch, demonstrating his role as a promising all-round player during the tournament. Sanju Samson has not featured in any ODI tournaments but has made his mark in other formats.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s ODI career is marked by his consistency and ability to anchor the innings. With an impressive average of 50.36 and a strike rate of 87.82, Rahul has proven to be a reliable middle-order batsman. His seven centuries and eighteen fifties demonstrate his ability to play long and impactful innings. Additionally, his solid fielding skills are reflected in his 62 catches and five stumpings, making him a valuable asset behind the stumps.
KL Rahul has been a pillar of consistency for India in ODIs, showcasing his versatility in batting positions and adept wicketkeeping skills. In his last 10 ODI innings, Rahul has scored crucial runs, including innings of 102 and 56. His ability to anchor the innings or accelerate as needed makes him a reliable option in the middle order.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan has made a strong impression in his relatively short ODI career. Averaging 42.40 with a high strike rate of 102.19, Kishan is known for his aggressive batting style. His highest score of 210 highlights his potential to play match-defining innings. With one century and seven fifties, Kishan has shown consistency in converting starts into significant scores. His fielding skills add to his versatility as a player, contributing both with the bat and behind the stumps.
Ishan Kishan brings a dynamic batting style to the top of the order, capable of providing quick starts and adapting to various match situations. In his recent ODI performances, Kishan has shown promise with innings like 47, 82, and 77, highlighting his ability to score briskly and set the tone early in the innings.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has showcased his potential with a remarkable average of 56.66 in ODIs. His strike rate of 99.60 indicates his ability to score quickly, which is crucial in the limited-overs format. With one century and three fifties in 16 matches, Samson has demonstrated his capacity to play substantial innings. His fielding contributions, including nine catches and two stumpings, further enhance his value as a wicket-keeper batsman.
Sanju Samson combines explosive batting prowess with reliable wicketkeeping skills, making him a valuable asset in both departments for India. His recent ODI performances include standout innings such as 108 and 86*, showcasing his ability to play match-winning knocks and stabilize the middle order.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is known for his aggressive batting approach and ability to accelerate the scoring rate. With a strike rate of 106.65, Pant is one of the most dynamic wicket-keeper batsmen in ODIs. His average of 34.60, along with one century and five fifties, reflects his capability to play impactful innings. Pant’s fielding record, with 26 catches and one stumping, shows his competence behind the stumps, making him a dual threat in the ODI format.
Rishabh Pant is known for his aggressive batting style and effective wicketkeeping abilities, often turning matches with his explosive innings. His recent ODI form includes memorable knocks like 125* and 85, highlighting his capability to dominate bowlers and accelerate the scoring rate when needed.
Last 10 ODI innings statistics of KL, Ishan, Samson, and Pant:
| Player/Stat | Inns | Runs (Balls) | S/R | Avg | 50s, 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 21(35), 56(64), 66(107), 39*(20), 102(64), 8(17), 21(19), 39(58), 27(35), 34*(34) | 413 (453) | 91.16 | 51.6 | 2, 1 |
| Ishan Kishan | 47(47), 0(1), 31(18), 18(26), 23*(18), 5(15), 33*(61), 82(81), 77(64), 55(55) | 371 (386) | 96.1 | 41.2 | 3, 0 |
| Sanju Samson | 108(114), 12(23), 51(41), 9(19), 36(38), 2*(4), 30*(36), 86*(63), 15(13), 43*(39) | 392 (390) | 100.5 | 65.33 | 2, 1 |
| Rishabh Pant | 10(16), 15(23), 125*(113), 0(5), 56(54), 18(34), 11(9), 0(1), 85(71), 16(22) | 336 (348) | 96.5 | 37.3 | 2, 1 |
Which two wicket-keepers can break into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India Squad?
Based on the recent 10 performances of KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant, the two players with a higher chance of being selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are KL Rahul and Sanju Samson.
KL Rahul has demonstrated consistency and versatility in his batting and wicketkeeping skills. His ability to anchor the innings or accelerate as needed, along with his impressive average of 51.6 and a strike rate of 91.16 in the last 10 innings, make him a reliable choice for the middle order. His recent performances in the ICC World Cup 2023 further bolster his case for selection.
Sanju Samson is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to turn matches with explosive innings. His high strike rate of 100.5 and capability to dominate bowlers and accelerate the scoring rate make him a valuable asset for the team. At present, he is the best wicket-keeper batsman in India, his dynamic approach and recent performances indicate he can make significant contributions in crucial moments.
