India's head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed on Wednesday that KL Rahul will remain the team's primary wicketkeeper for the upcoming Champions Trophy, despite suggestions to replace him with the dynamic Rishabh Pant, who is currently on the reserves bench. Gambhir also addressed the criticism surrounding the decision to send Axar Patel to bat ahead of Rahul at the No. 5 position during the recently concluded ODI series against England.

Gambhir had previously supported Rahul over Pant for the ODI series against England, emphasizing the need for consistency. However, Rahul's performance suffered as he was positioned at No. 6 in the first two matches, failing to replicate the impressive form he displayed during the 2023 ODI World Cup, which had led to his selection over Pant. This situation prompted some veteran cricketers to advocate for Pant to take the No. 6 spot if India intended to adjust Rahul's batting order.

In the final match against England, however, Rahul returned to his original No. 5 position and contributed a valuable 40 runs off 29 balls, helping India secure a decisive 142-run victory in Ahmedabad. Following this performance, Gambhir reaffirmed KL Rahul's status as the first-choice wicketkeeper.

"KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper, and that is my statement at this time. Rishabh Pant will have his opportunity, but for now, KL has performed well, and we cannot accommodate two wicketkeeper-batters," Gambhir stated during the press conference concluding the series.

KL Rahul to continue batting at No. 5?

Gambhir expressed his support for Rahul as India's main keeper-batter for the Champions Trophy; however, he refrained from specifying his batting order, even in light of criticism regarding this approach.

"We do not focus on averages and statistics. Our priority is identifying who can perform under pressure," he stated.

The former Indian opener also chose not to disclose specifics regarding Jasprit Bumrah's back injury, which has excluded him from participating in the Champions Trophy.

"Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out. I am unable to provide further details as the medical team at the NCA will issue updates," the coach remarked.

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