Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, has been named in India’s 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but he has now suffered a knee injury while training in Dubai on February 16. Pant was hit on the knee by a shot played by Hardik Pandya. The accident happened in India’s first training session prior to the tournament.
Rishabh Pant Injury
“During the net session, one powerful hit from Pandya caused a minor but freakish accident as Pant was hit on the knee. The 27-year-old stumper was in pain, but the physio Kamlesh Jain tended to him with a concerned Pandya coming out of the nets to check on his junior colleague. But it didn’t turn out to be a serious issue, as Pant padded up soon after the first team batters were finished with their sessions,” a PTI report stated on Sunday.
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Pant’s Role In India’s Champions Trophy Squad
It’s Pant’s debut selection for the Champions Trophy in his career, which is quite a milestone for him. However, even if he has been named in the squad, don’t expect Pant to play as India’s opener in the impending tournament, commencing on February 19.
KL Rahul The First-Choice Wicketkeeper
KL Rahul, who has been in top form with more than 500 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the 50-over format. Rahul’s steady performances in the recently concluded series against England have booked Rahul’s spot ahead of Pant, and Rahul will most probably take the gloves for the Champions Trophy.
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India’s Opening Match Against Bangladesh
India will start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 20, against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. One of India’s marquee games of the tournament will be against Pakistan, on February 23. Pakistan won the trophy defeating India by 180 runs when these two sides last met in the Champions Trophy in June 2017. India’s last Group A match will be against New Zealand on March 2.
