Is KL Rahul playing today’s IND vs SL 2024 1st ODI?
KL Rahul has been picked as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The right-hander batter was selected ahead of Rishabh Pant in the 50-over format.
Rahul was one of India’s leading runscorers at the 2023 ODI World Cup, amassing 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33 with the help of one century and two fifties. In 2023, the 32-year-old scored 1060 runs in 24 innings, hitting two tons and seven half-centuries. Overall, the Karnataka batter has 2820 runs in 70 innings, comprising seven centuries and 18 fifties.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has not played in ODIs since his 2022 car accident. The left-hander has 865 runs in 10 innings, including one century and five 50s.
On the wicketkeeping front, KL Rahul has 56 dismissals in 35 innings, including five stumpings. He is among the top five among most dismissals for India in the 50-over format. Meanwhile, Pant has 23 dismissals in 22 innings, comprising one stumping.
“It’s a tough call” – Rohit Sharma on picking between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant
India captain Rohit Sharma recently stated that it’s a tough call to pick between wicketkeepers KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant because both are quality players. The 37-year-old, however, was excited to have both players in the squad. He said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday (via ICC):
“It’s a tough call. Both are quality players. They’re match-winners in their own way. It’s always nice to have problems picking up the team like that. When you’re discussing too much on who to pick or leave, then that means there’s quality in the team. Which I think is a good thing. I look forward to these problems till I’m captain.”
Apart from Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, Riyan Parag, and Harshit Rana have been benched for the opening game.
In the match, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bat first.
Follow the IND vs SL 1st ODI live score and updates here.