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Watch: KL Rahul’s keeping blunders frustrate Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli; Fans demand Rishabh Pant’s return

By CA Cricket Staff

Published - 03 Mar 2025, 12:59 PM

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Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Image Credit: X

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The last group match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand has once again exposed a major weakness of the Men in Blue, and that is KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping. KL Rahul’s poor wicketkeeping already frustrated Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The Indian wicketkeeper missed two crucial caught-behind chances, mistakes that could have been costly for the team. Rahul dropped Kane Williamson twice in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match sparked fresh debates ahead of India’s semifinal clash with Australia.

KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping blunders spark debate before ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal

The Indian cricket team had their first real chance to dismiss Kane Williamson in the 11th over when he was batting on 18. Axar Patel bowled a sharp delivery that Williamson tried to cut but ended up edging it thickly. The ball went straight to Rahul behind the stumps, but it slipped through his gloves, allowing the New Zealand batting icon to survive in the crunch moment.

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The Indian wicketkeeper missed another opportunity in the 35th over. Ravindra Jadeja sent in a flatter delivery that spun slightly from the off-stump as Williamson looked to play an inside-out shot. The ball took the edge of his bat, deflected off Rahul’s gloves, and popped up to his right, but he couldn’t react in time to grab it. However, it was a tough one.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not happy with KL Rahul's wicketkeeping

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s animated reaction to Rahul’s errors was enough to prove that he is letting the team down. Even Virat Kohli was visibly frustrated with Rahul’s wicketkeeping during the group clash between India and New Zealand in Dubai.

As the Men in Blue set to face Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal on March 4 in Dubai, fans have been questioning if KL Rahul drops a crucial catch, like Travis Head’s, it could shatter India's title hopes in an instant. Fans are calling for Rishabh Pant’s return to India’s XI.

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Many are questioning why Rahul continues to be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper over Rishabh Pant despite his batting show not also being up to the mark. He made only 23 runs off 29 balls against New Zealand. His mistakes behind the stumps as well as slow batting did not sit well with the fans, warning India that it can come back to haunt them in the semifinals.

Some fans are suggesting that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir drop Rahul and pick Rishabh Pant for the semifinal against Australia. India has already faced two big setbacks against Australia, and they couldn’t afford any mishap against the Kangaroos in the semifinals.

Here are fans' reactions to KL Rahul's wicketkeeping woes:

Earlier, Gautam Gambhir had stated, “At the moment, obviously, KL is the No. 1 wicketkeeper, and he has delivered for us. When you've got two wicketkeepers in the squad, you can't play both the wicketkeepers with the kind of quality we've got.

Hopefully, whenever he (Pant) gets that opportunity, he should be ready for it. That's all I can say at the moment. Yes, KL is the one who's going to start.”

Tagged:

ICC Champions Trophy India National Cricket Team Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma KL Rahul Gautam Gambhir IND vs NZ Rishabh Pant India vs New Zealand
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