With a load of a grueling 5-match Test series in mind, the Indian team management has decided against assigning KL Rahul the additional responsibility of wicket-keeping in the upcoming contest against England.
This was confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid on Monday ahead of the first Test starting January 27th in Hyderabad. He stated KS Bharat and youngster Dhruv Jurel will be the wicket-keeping options instead.
“Rahul will not be keeping wickets this series as we picked two other keepers. Considering 5 Tests and playing in these conditions, we’ll choose between the other two,” Dravid clarified.
Rahul donned the gloves during India’s previous Test assignment in South Africa last year. His batting abilities, especially on turning Indian pitches, make him a valuable asset in the playing XI.
However, the demands of wicket-keeping over a long series appear to have tilted the scales away from using Rahul behind the stumps again. The spin-friendly conditions pose an additional challenge that may have factored into the team’s planning.
Rahul will now focus solely on his batting without the distractions of juggling dual roles. KS Bharat is the front runner to take the gloves while teenager Dhruv Jurel provides the backup option as the selectors invested in the future.
The 5-match contest will serve as an important test for India under new captain Rohit Sharma as they aim to book their place in the World Test Championship final scheduled in June 2023.
