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Team India are gearing up for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on Thursday (January 25) in Hyderabad. A noteworthy development ahead of the series opener is the confirmation from India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, regarding KL Rahul‘s role.
Rahul Dravid’s conclusive decision on KL Rahul’s role
Dravid has clarified that Rahul will not be shouldering wicketkeeping duties throughout the entire series. While Rahul has been the designated wicketkeeper since his return from injury last year, donning the gloves in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and subsequent series against South Africa, the team management is leaning towards having a specialist wicketkeeper in the mix.
“Rahul will not be playing as a wicket-keeper in this series and we are clear about that in the selection itself. We have picked two other wicket-keepers and obviously Rahul did a fantastic job for us in South Africa and really played a big part in helping us draw the series. But considering five Test matches (against England) and playing in these conditions the selection will be between the two other keepers we have,” Dravid was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Also READ: BCCI announces Virat Kohli’s replacement for the first two Tests against England
Dilemma for specialist wicketkeeper in first two Tests against England
The initial squad for the first two Tests featured Rahul, KS Bharat and the uncapped Dhruv Jurel. With Rahul ruled out from the wicketkeeping role, the spotlight now turns to the choice between Bharat and Jurel.
Bharat, having played five Tests against Australia, has proven his wicketkeeping prowess. However, his impact with the bat at the international level is yet to reach significant heights. Although he recently scored a match-saving hundred for India A against England Lions. On the other hand, the uncapped Jurel, initially unexpected in the lineup, emerges as a potential choice.
