KL Rahul is set for second innings in his Test cricket career. This time, he will not just be a batter but will keep wickets as well. While he is still a temporary solution until Rishabh Pant comes in, his impressive job behind the stumps in World Cup has offered KL Rahul a new leash of life. Despite KS Bharat’s presence, KL Rahul is likely to make his wicketkeeping debut in Test and bat in the middle-order in IND vs SA Test series.
Having been dropped from the Test squad during the Australia series, the door seemed to be closed on KL Rahul in Test cricket. But failure of Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and KS Bharat has helped him make a comeback.
KL Rahul has helped his case with a century in Centurion last time out. But the message from selectors remains clear: keep wickets to remain in Test scheme of things.
KL Rahul wicketkeeping record
- ODIs: 35 innings
- Dismissals: 56
- Catch: 51
- Stumping: 5
IND vs SA Test crucial for KL Rahul
With the message clear, IND vs SA Test series is going to be crucial for KL Rahul. Success in the two-match India vs South Africa Test series will definitely help him keep his spot in the Test side for the IND vs ENG series.
However, while KL Rahul has been successful in ODIs with the big gloves, it’s still unclear how he is going to perform as a keeper-batter. Keeping wickets for 90 overs a day won’t be an easy task.
Having struggled with injuries in the last two years, he will have to challenge his fitness level.
But with no timeline on Rishabh Pant’s return as a wicketkeeper, KL Rahul can at enjoy at least a year of immunity in Test cricket if he succeeds in South Africa.
“Yes, I’ll be doing the same role. I’ll be wicketkeeping and batting in the middle order. After that, yes, I would be happy to take up that role even in the Test matches,” KL Rahul said ahead of the ODI series against South Africa.
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