KL Rahul’s position as a keeper in the India Cricket Team is under scanner. Reports claim that Ishan Kishan has been ordered to play Ranji Trophy to feature in IND vs ENG Test series ahead of KL Rahul. However, Sunil Gavaskar has backed KL Rahul, but has claimed if Rishabh Pant is fit on one leg, he should be selected in the India squad for the T20 World Cup.
Rishabh Pant following his accident is yet to play cricket. It is assumed that he will feature for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 but only as an impact player. On the other hand, the board wants Ishan Kishan to be the lead keeper ahead of KL Rahul in the grand scheme of things.
“I see him (KL Rahul) as a wicketkeeper as well but I will say one thing before that: if Rishabh Pant is fit on even one leg, he should come in the team because he is a game-changer in every format. If I am the selector, I will put his name first,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“However, if Rishabh Pant is unavailable and KL Rahul keeps wickets, it will be good because the balance will also get created. Then you have the option to play him as an opener or use him in the middle order as a finisher at No. 5 or No. 6,” Gavaskar said in a conversation on a Star Sports special ahead of India’s T20I series against Afghanistan,” Gavaskar concluded.
With less than 5 months remaining for the 2024 T20 World Cup, it is of utmost importance that team selection be top notch for the ICC tournament.
