India head coach Gautam Gambhir has called KL Rahul India's number one wicketkeeper ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also said that Rishabh Pant will get his chances.

Rahul, who initially batted at No. 6 in the first two games, didnt look comfortable and fared far better at the familiar No. 5 position with a useful 40 off 29 balls in Indias one-sided 142-run victory in the third ODI here.

Former India captain and chairman of selectors feels given Rahul’s past record, he is best suited to bat at No 5

It was surprising to see Rishabh Pant being preferred over KL Rahul in the white-ball format, so did India coach Gautam Gambhir get it wrong?

Srikkanth further suggested that if Rahul is to bat at No. 6, then Rishabh Pant should be given that position. He voiced his concerns over sidelining Pant and predicted that he might play in the third ODI and the Champions Trophy.

"Hey, Gambhir, what you are doing is not right. Yes, depending on the situation, India can send Axar at No. 5, but it cannot be a consistent strategy. If you keep making such changes, you know what will happen there will be a crucial match where everything falls apart. That's what worries me," he added.