KL Rahul to Be Rested for England Series as Part of Workload Management Strategy

KL Rahul, one of the best batters in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is set to be rested for the upcoming tour of England, which includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs). He had a successful summer in Australia, where he managed to perform well despite being moved up and down the batting order. This recognized his return to form after a dry spell before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

Now that KL Rahul has cemented his spot as an opener in Test cricket, the focus is shifting towards the 50-over format. In this format, he plays as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper. KL Rahul has done a commendable job in this position, consistently scoring runs. However, in ODIs, it is unlikely that he will open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.

The attention is now on the Champions Trophy 2025, and Team India will begin preparations with three ODIs against England. Reports suggest that KL Rahul, along with a few other senior players, will be rested to manage their workload and ensure they remain fit for the upcoming tournament.

Just because India is expected to rest KL Rahul does not mean he will be out of contention for the Champions Trophy squad. He is an important player, and the selectors trust him to deliver in the middle-order position for Team India. Furthermore, he served as India’s primary wicketkeeper during the ODI World Cup 2023, a role that may continue in the Champions Trophy 2025. He could be the backup wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant if Pant is selected; if not, KL Rahul will likely take on the primary wicketkeeping duties again.

Additionally, KL Rahul opted out of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout stages, even though his team, Karnataka, has qualified. He mentioned that he needed a break before returning to the game after a long summer in Australia.

Therefore, with KL Rahul’s break coinciding with the England tour, it is an opportune time for him to rest, and the selectors expect him to be fit and ready for the significant tournament this year.

KL Rahul is likely to be rested for the England series to manage his workload, with plans to play a First-Class match for Karnataka once the Ranji Trophy second leg begins on January 23. This break will help him maintain peak fitness as he prepares to be a key member of India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.