Image: KL Rahul has opted out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the upcoming England series / © Crictracker
India’s wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, who showcased remarkable grit in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has decided to skip the upcoming white-ball series against England. In the five-match Test series against Australia, Rahul scored 276 runs across 10 innings at an average of 30.67, earning praise for his technical soundness amidst his teammates’ struggles. Following this demanding series, he opted out of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, where his home team Karnataka advanced to the knockout stages.
According to a BCCI source quoted by NDTV Sports, Rahul sought a break for personal recovery but will be available for the Champions Trophy 2025 selection.
He has sought a break for the England series, but he will be available for selection for the Champions Trophy.
India’s England tour is set to begin with a five-match T20I series starting on January 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by a three-match ODI series starting February 6 in Nagpur. Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Shami is eyeing a potential comeback in the England series after nursing an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 World Cup final. Shami’s domestic performances for Bengal remain under scrutiny as his recovery continues.