KL Rahul to Feature in England ODI Series
The BCCI reversed its decision and asked KL Rahul to be part of the ODI series against England after initially agreeing to his request for a break.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee, led by former pacer Ajit Agarkar, has decided to reject KL Rahul’s request for a break from the upcoming white-ball series against England. The series, which starts on January 22 with the first of five T20Is in Kolkata, will also feature three ODIs.
Rahul had requested to be rested for the entire series, including the ODIs, following a demanding Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite a strong performance in the series, where Rahul was one of the few Indian batters who handled Australia’s pace and bounce effectively, the selection committee initially agreed to his request but has now decided otherwise.
According to a report in The Times of India, the Agarkar-led selection committee reconsidered their decision and asked Rahul to be available for the three-match ODI series against England, starting February 6. The series will serve as a crucial opportunity for India to finalize their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
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A source quoted in the report said, “The selectors initially decided to rest Rahul, who plays in the middle order and is a wicketkeeper in the ODIs, from the entire white-ball series against England at home. However, they had a rethink and the BCCI has now asked him to play in the ODI series so that he gains some match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy in February.”
While Rahul had sought rest from Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, the selection committee wants him to get some match time in the ODIs to prepare for the upcoming international challenges in the Champions Trophy.
Last Updated on January 11, 2025
