Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 preparations in Dubai took an unexpected turn when Rishabh Pant suffered a freak injury during a high-intensity net session. A powerful shot from Hardik Pandya struck the wicketkeeper-batter on the knee, briefly raising concerns about his availability for the tournament.
The incident occurred during India’s first training session, where Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma focused on technique adjustments while Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer took a more aggressive approach, launching spinners into the stands. During this dominant hitting spree, Pandya’s shot struck Pant on the knee, immediately prompting the team physio Kamlesh Jain to rush in for medical attention.
A visibly concerned Hardik Pandya walked out of the nets to check on his teammate, and for a brief moment, uncertainty loomed over Pant’s participation in the tournament. However, much to the relief of fans and team management, Pant recovered quickly, resumed training, and was later seen padded up in a BCCI training highlights video, confirming that the injury wasn’t serious.
“Pant’s quick return to the nets is a huge relief for Team India,”
a team source mentioned, assuring that he remains fully fit for the Champions Trophy.
Pant vs Rahul: India’s Wicketkeeping Dilemma Deepens
While Pant avoided a major injury, his role in the playing XI remains uncertain. Last month, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed that Pant was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the England ODI series and the Champions Trophy.
However, the team management, led by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, backed KL Rahul for the role, emphasizing the need for “continuity.”
Rahul, who was instrumental in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, played as the wicketkeeper-batter in all three ODIs against England despite struggling in the first two games. His place came under scrutiny, with former India coach Ravi Shastri advocating for Pant’s inclusion.
However, in the final ODI, Rahul silenced critics with a crucial 29-ball 40, securing his position as India’s No.1 wicketkeeper for the time being.
“KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper, and this is what I can say at the moment, Pant will get his chance, but right now, KL has done well, and we cannot play two wicketkeeper-batters in the XI.”
said Gambhir
This statement indicates that despite Pant’s fitness and form, he is likely to start the tournament on the bench unless there’s a last-minute change in strategy.
What This Means for India’s Champions Trophy Campaign?
While Pant’s injury scare ended with a positive outcome, the incident serves as a reminder of how unpredictable injuries can be—especially in a tournament as crucial as the Champions Trophy.
If Pant had suffered a serious injury, India’s backup options would have been limited, given that Rahul is the only other wicketkeeper in the squad. With KL Rahul prone to fitness concerns, Team India needs to be prepared for any last-minute surprises.
Additionally, Pant’s near-miss has reignited the debate over whether he should replace Rahul as the first-choice keeper. While Rahul brings stability, Pant’s explosive batting and ability to shift momentum make him a game-changer.
Pros & Cons of Picking Pant Over Rahul in Champions Trophy XI
| Factor | KL Rahul | Rishabh Pant |
| Experience | ✅ Proven in high-pressure ICC events | ✅ Played key roles in past tournaments |
| Wicketkeeping Skills | ✅ Safe hands, fewer errors | 🔶 Improving but less consistent |
| Batting in ODIs | ✅ Anchors innings, versatile | ✅ Aggressive, can change games |
| Form in Last Series | ✅ Scored 40 off 29 in last ODI | 🔶 Yet to get a proper opportunity |
| Fitness Concerns | ❌ Prone to injuries | ✅ Fully fit & recovered from knee injury |
While Rahul holds the edge due to his recent performances, Pant’s X-factor ability makes him a compelling alternative if India needs a quick-fire middle-order batter.
Team India’s Champions Trophy Schedule & Expected XI
With the Champions Trophy set to begin soon, Team India faces a challenging Group Stage lineup:
📌 India vs Bangladesh – February 17, Dubai
📌 India vs Pakistan – February 23, Dubai 🔥
📌 India vs New Zealand – February 27, Abu Dhabi
Predicted India XI for Champions Trophy
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Shami / Arshdeep Singh
🚨 If India decides to include Pant, he could replace Rahul in the XI, moving Hardik up the order.
Another Close Call for Team India?
Although Pant escaped a major injury, the incident highlights how unpredictable things can get before a major ICC event. With India already dealing with selection dilemmas and concerns over squad balance, another injury scare could have been a major setback.
📌 Key Takeaways:
✅ Pant suffered a minor knee injury but is fit for the Champions Trophy.
✅ KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, with Pant as backup.
✅ Ravi Shastri and others have called for Pant’s inclusion, but Rahul’s last performance secured his spot.
✅ India’s Champions Trophy journey begins on February 17 against Bangladesh.
With Pant fit but uncertain of a starting XI spot, all eyes will now be on India’s final team combination. Will they stick with Rahul, or will they give Pant a chance in the XI? The debate continues!
📢 What do you think? Should Pant replace Rahul as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy? Drop your thoughts below! 🚀🔥
