India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes KL Rahul must be India's first choice to keep wickets in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. In Bangar's opinion, Rahul has been impressive both with bat and gloves and there isn't much reason for him to give way to Rishabh Pant at this moment. The debate between Rahul and Pant has gone on in Indian cricket for years. Rahul was the first-choice wicketkeeper when Pant was injured for more than a year in 2023. During this period, he established himself as a number five batter by consistently performing, apart from for his woeful display in the 2023 World Cup final. On the other hand, Pant, before the accident, scored 871 runs in 27 innings. He had shown glimpses of brilliance. It was an unbeaten 125 against South Africa that proved his only century till date. On Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar said: “If you cast your mind back to the way KL Rahul has performed not only as a batsman but also as a wicketkeeper. Some of the catches and the way he kept in the (2023) World Cup was simply fabulous. Rishabh Pant, no doubt, is a very, very exciting talent. But currently, I believe that the team would start with KL in the lineup based on the performances that he’s given in the middle overs as well as his exploits as a wicketkeeper." This series of ODIs against England is vital, as they form India's final preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy beginning on February 19. For the tournament, India will choose a playing XI from the team that plays the current series of ODIs against England. Also Read | CT 2025: 3 Indian Stars Who Could Steal the Show in Dubai Bangar also ruled out the possibility of playing both Rahul and Pant in the same XI. He said that though Pant's left-handed batting could be useful, his inclusion becomes tough with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja already providing that left-handed option in the lineup. He said: “I don’t think both can play in the single line-up. Generally because of the makeup of the team is right-hand dominant, at least in the top six, and we’ve seen in the past how Jadeja has been used in the batting at four or five according to the needs and situation of the game." Bangar added: “So, they have that luxury of Jadeja at number seven who can obviously fit in and do the role of a left-hander through the middle overs if the situations arise wherein teams rely on left-arm spinners or leg-spinners. So, yes, there is an option in Jadeja and because of that I think Rishabh Pant may still find it difficult to straightaway break in the playing eleven." The three-match ODI series against England will commence on 6th February 2025 at Nagpur. The next match of the series will be played at Cuttack on 9th February, followed by the final ODI on 12th February at Ahmedabad.