From playing as an opener to one down to even batting at number 5 and when needed also turned wicketkeeper for India – KL Rahul has done it all in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.
In the series-opener, Rahul came out to bat at No. 3 and played a fine knock of 47 while adding a century-plus partnership with Shikhar Dhawan.
In the must-win second encounter, he first smashed a quickfire 80 off just 52 deliveries to help India post 340 and then walked in to keep wickets during the second innings after regular wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant suffered a concussion.
It will surely be a tough decision for the Indian team management to relieve Rahul of the wicketkeeping duties once Pant makes a comeback.
But as for the time being, it looks like Rahul will be preferred ahead of the young lad in New Zealand T20Is.
Speaking after the third ODI, India captain Virat Kohli made it clear that the team management is unlikely to tinker with the playing XI in the T20Is against the Black Caps.
“Well look, we have what we have in the team. As I said, Rahul brings in balance into the side. We have to persist with it as he has done well. We have to see whether it works; you cannot chop and change. I do not see why we should change this playing XI,” Kohli said.
After clinching the ODI series against Australia at home, the Virat Kohli-led India will take on Kane Williamson & Co. in five T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests. The first T20I will be played on Friday (January 24).
