Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was unable to attend India’s training session due to a viral fever, as reported by vice-captain Shubman Gill on Saturday. India is set to face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai.
Pant’s absence is not expected to impact the team’s lineup against their rivals, as KL Rahul appears to be the favored choice by the management. There have been indications that Rahul could take precedence over Pant in one-day internationals (ODIs), especially after India’s successful 3-0 victory over England at home.
Coach Gautam Gambhir had previously confirmed these speculations. In India’s opening match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh, KL Rahul stepped in as the wicketkeeper and played confidently, scoring an impressive 41 runs off 47 balls. This performance helped India secure an easy win.
Gambhir stated, “KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but currently, KL has been doing well, and we can’t play two wicketkeeper-batters. Our focus is on who can deliver when needed, not just on averages and stats.”
Rishabh Pant’s last appearance in an ODI was against Sri Lanka in 2024, where he scored only six runs.
