
India’s cricket team has started their ODI series against England with a strong win. They won by four wickets, showing great skill. However, one big question remains for the Champions Trophy 2025—who will be India’s main wicketkeeper-batter?
- KL Rahul was India’s wicketkeeper in the first ODI but scored only two runs.
- Axar Patel played an important role, scoring 52 runs off 47 balls.
- Sanjay Manjrekar suggests that Axar could be a better option in the middle order.
- Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Dubai, where spin-friendly pitches are expected.
KL Rahul’s Struggles as a Wicketkeeper-Batter
India included Rishabh Pant in their squad, but KL Rahul kept wickets in the first ODI. However, Rahul struggled and scored just two runs. This raises concerns about his form and suitability for the middle order in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that India should consider other options. The team needs a left-handed batter in the top six or seven to balance the lineup.
Axar Patel’s Match-Winning Performance
One of the best players in the first ODI was Axar Patel. He came to bat ahead of Rahul at No. 5 and played a solid innings. His 52 runs off 47 balls included six boundaries and one six.
Axar also built a crucial 108-run partnership with Shubman Gill. This partnership helped India successfully chase the target and win the match. His ability to stay calm under pressure made him a standout performer.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Verdict: Axar Patel Over Rishabh Pant?
Cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar had earlier suggested Rishabh Pant as a middle-order option. His reasoning was that India needs a left-hander in the middle order before the Champions Trophy 2025.
However, after Axar’s performance, Manjrekar believes India already has a solid left-handed option. He praised Axar’s skills against spin bowling, which will be important on the slow pitches of Dubai.
Why Spin Matters in Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Dubai, where pitches favor spin bowlers. In past tournaments, teams that handled spin well performed better.
Manjrekar highlighted that India has struggled against spin in the middle overs. Axar Patel, however, showed great confidence and control. His ability to play spin could make him a key player for India.
Match Recap: India vs. England First ODI
England batted first and scored 248 runs. Their top scorers were:
- Jacob Bethell – 50 runs
- Jos Buttler – 54 runs
India’s bowlers did well:
- Ravindra Jadeja – 3 wickets
- Harshit Rana – 3 wickets
India chased the target in 38.4 overs and won by four wickets. The key performers for India were:
- Shubman Gill – 86 runs (Player of the Match)
- Shreyas Iyer – Half-century
- Axar Patel – 52 runs
What This Means for India in Champions Trophy 2025
With the Champions Trophy approaching, India must decide their best playing XI. KL Rahul’s poor form raises doubts, while Axar Patel’s strong batting makes him a reliable choice.
If India wants to win in Dubai, they need batters who handle spin bowling well. Axar has proven that he can do this, making him a strong option for the middle order.
Possible Wicketkeeper Options for Champions Trophy 2025
India has multiple choices for the wicketkeeper role:
- KL Rahul – Experienced but struggling with form.
- Rishabh Pant – Aggressive but yet to prove his consistency.
- Ishan Kishan – Young but can be a valuable left-handed option.
If India prioritizes a strong middle order, Axar Patel could play as a specialist batter. This would allow India to choose a different wicketkeeper.
Who Should Be India’s Wicketkeeper?
India has a tough decision to make before the Champions Trophy 2025. KL Rahul’s struggles mean the team might look for other options. Axar Patel’s strong batting and ability to play spin well make him a great choice for the middle order.
If India wants to win, they need to focus on playing spin better and having a balanced team. Sanjay Manjrekar believes Axar Patel can be the key player India needs in Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND