India, Feb. 8 -- KL Rahul took the gloves for India in the first ODI against England but it may be Axar Patel's performance in the match that could keep Rishabh Pant out of the squad, according to former batter Sanjay Manjrekar. Axar scored 52 in 47 balls in an innings that flattened England comprehensively in Nagpur.

His innings came as part of a 108-run stand with Shubman Gill which came in just 107 balls. The three-match ODI series against England is precursor to the 2025 Champions Trophy and so chances of squads being maintained going into the tournament is highly likely.

"Before the match started, there was a suggestion from me that maybe Rishabh Pant could be tried only with the Champions Trophy in mind. Plus, India would have a l...