Preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are in full swing, and the Indian squad is expected to be announced soon. Before the tournament, India will face England in a three-match ODI series at home.
Speculation surrounds KL Rahul's participation, as he recently played a demanding five-match Test series against Australia. Reports suggest that Rahul might either feature in the series or be rested to manage his workload.

If he does play, it raises questions about how the team plans to handle his fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy. KL Rahul, who last featured in an ODI in August 2024, is all set to return to the squad for the England series.
His impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup have positioned him as the frontrunner for the role of first-choice wicketkeeper under the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel.
Earlier, it was reported that Rahul had expressed his desire to skip the England series to manage his workload and remain fresh for the 2025 Champions Trophy, but the request was later turned down.
If KL Rahul plays the England series, it could lead to overwork as he aims to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy squad. Continuous international cricket without rest may challenge his fitness levels.
Having played non-stop for an extended period, it might become difficult for Rahul to stay fresh and perform at his best in the Champions Trophy without proper recovery time.
KL Rahul is under pressure to secure his place in India's Champions Trophy squad. The competition has intensified with the return of Rishabh Pant and the impressive form displayed by Sanju Samson.
Despite Pant's struggles to maintain consistency in limited-overs cricket, he continues to be a strong candidate for the wicketkeeper-batter role. Meanwhile, Samson's outstanding displays in T20Is have strengthened his case and made the race for the spot even tougher for Rahul.