Ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh, head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma have their work cut out as they will have to pick the playing XI out of a 16-member squad. As some spots are already sealed in Team India, others are still open to give the selectors a headache.
KL Rahul Has More Chance To Play
At 5, there is competition between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. For the wicketkeeper position, either Dhruv Jurel or Rishabh Pant could be selected. According to Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former BCCI chief selector, Rahul needs to be favored over Sarfaraz due to his high profile. Similarly, he maintains Pant should be selected over Jurel as the final wicketkeeper.
“Honestly, I feel bad for Sarfaraz Khan. But, this happens, at times, in Test cricket. You would have been playing well but when a big player returns, you will have to lose your place. Take for instance, Rishabh Pant is returning because of which Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are losing their places. KL Rahul is coming in,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Team India Thinking Long Term
The 1983 World Cup hero also suggests that KL Rahul’s impressive record in overseas conditions could give him an advantage over Sarfaraz Khan. Sarfaraz, having only featured in a single home series against England earlier this year, lacks the extensive international experience that Rahul brings to the table.
“At the back of the mind, they are also keeping the Australia series. New Zealand are also coming. KL Rahul has performed well overseas, in Australia he has done well,” added Srikkanth.
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KL Rahul has represented India in 50 Test matches and has been consistently been present in the red-ball format. Management will likely give him enough opportunities as they plan for the most crucial series that’s the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
While Rishabh Pant all prepped up for his return to Test cricket following the critical car accident in December 2022 that caused severe knee and back injuries. He will be making a comeback after 15 months.
