In what has been the latest development as per the reports in TOI, it is learned that KL Rahul is the front-runner to keep the wickets for India in the Test series against South Africa. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be travelling for a lengthy tour where they will play 3T20Is, 3ODIs, and 2Tests.
Ever since Rishabh Pant has been out of cricketing action, India has been struggling to find a keeper in Test cricket. They backed KS Bharat in the Border-Gavaskar followed by ICC WTC final. But that didn’t go in their favour as he couldn’t get going at all and failed in all games.
After they lost the ICC WTC final, India gave opportunity to Ishan Kishan in the series against the West Indies. But the reports have now suggested that KS Bharat is now likely to be dropped and KL Rahul will be a backup option and might even keep wickets.
KL Rahul has had a decent run in Test cricket as an opener but with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and all being there, it’s fair to say that it’ll be tough for him to open. But with space being vacant in the middle-order.
KL Rahul has been batting well in the ODIs in the middle-order. Also what caught the attention of many was his keeping skills during the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2023. The keeper-batter produced a brilliant performance both with bat and gloves and helped India win.
KL Rahul’s staggering outings in the World Cup might have tempted selectors to think him of as a keeper in South Africa. Him being in the middle order will strengthen the Indian batting lineup and it’ll be a great opportunity for them to win their first-ever series in South Africa.
KL Rahul in contention to keep wickets for India in the Test series against South Africa; Ajinkya Rahane to be dropped – Reports
Apart from KL Rahul being touted as a keeper, the reports in TOI have also sighted that Ajinkya Rahane is likely to be dropped from the Indian squad. He was recalled to the team for the ICC WTC Final and played well. But after that failed in the West Indies series.
However, with Shreyas Iyer back after injury and Shubman Gill batting at 3, the doors are likely to be closed for Ajinkya Rahane. It remains to be seen what will be the future of veteran batters in the team. He didn’t have great outing in the series against West Indies. Cheteshwar Pujara also recently faced a snub and unfortunately Ajinkya Rahane is likely to face the same fate.