KL Rahul dropped or opted out India vs England series?

KL Rahul showed remarkable resilience during the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, earning praise for his technical prowess amidst a series where many of his Indian teammates struggled. In a tough five-match Test series against Australia, where the pitch conditions and Australian bowlers posed significant challenges, Rahul stood out as one of the few batters who seemed technically adept. Former cricketers noted that his solid technique and composed approach allowed him to battle through difficult periods, especially when others found it hard to cope with the pressure.

Is KL Rahul dropped for the India vs England series?

Despite being one of the few who seemed in control with the bat, Rahul did not have an easy series. His performance was consistent but not without difficulties, as the Indian team faced a 3-1 defeat. Following the grueling Test series, Rahul decided to skip the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, opting out of Karnataka’s campaign. His home state team had made it to the knockout stages, but Rahul chose to focus on recovery and rest. His decision reflected the physical and mental toll of the demanding Test series, and the need to refresh before the upcoming challenges, which could include the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

KL Rahul started well with the bat during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, however, things ended on a poor note for him. Overall, he scored a total of 276 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.67. As one of the few Indian batters to show technical consistency against Australia, Rahul’s performances stood out amid challenging conditions. His solid contributions helped India in crucial moments, even as the team faced a tough 3-1 defeat in the series. Despite his strong showing, Rahul will not be part of India’s upcoming white-ball series against England.

According to sources, the wicketkeeper-batter has requested a break and will miss the limited-overs fixtures. This decision comes after the demanding Test series, allowing Rahul to rest and recover before the next phase of his international commitments. However, a BCCI source confirmed that Rahul’s absence from the England series will not affect his chances for selection in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He is expected to be available for the tournament, and the Indian selectors will keep him in the mix as they finalize the squad. This break seems to be part of Rahul’s strategy to maintain his fitness and readiness for future challenges on the international stage.

“He has sought a break for the England series, but he will be available for selection for Champions Trophy," the source said.

India’s upcoming series against England will begin with a five-match T20I series, with the opening match scheduled to take place on January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This highly anticipated series marks the start of a busy international calendar for both teams. The T20I leg promises to be an exciting affair, with the two sides looking to sharpen their white-ball skills ahead of major global tournaments.

Following the completion of the T20I series, the action will shift to the 50-over format, as the two teams face off in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI is slated for February 6, with the venue being the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This series will be crucial for both teams as they look to finalize their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international fixtures. With star players on both sides, the series promises thrilling cricket, and fans can expect competitive encounters across both formats. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on key matchups and individual performances, especially with the World Cup cycle approaching.

There have been growing speculations about Mohammed Shami’s potential return to the Indian squad for the upcoming series against England. The veteran pacer last featured for India during the World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where he played a crucial role in the team's bowling attack. However, since then, Shami has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, which has kept him out of action for an extended period.

Shami recently made an attempt to return to the field by playing a few domestic games for Bengal. However, the ankle swelling has lingered, delaying his much-anticipated comeback to the international circuit. Despite these setbacks, there are reports suggesting that Shami could be considered for selection in the England series, pending his fitness. His experience and skill make him an invaluable asset for India, and his return would provide a significant boost to the team’s bowling depth. As the series approaches, the Indian team management will closely monitor Shami’s recovery, and his availability could be a key factor for the pacer's selection in the squad for the upcoming matches.