What would become a norm in India Cricket Team for Tests in 2024 at least, KL Rahul is the latest to don the big gloves in Tests. Since Rishabh Pant’s near-fatal accident, India have been on the look out for a perfect replacement. But as it seems, he is irreplaceable. India have tried out both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan without much success. Now ahead of IND vs SA 1st Test starting Dec 26, KL Rahul had a full-fledged wicketkeeping session on Sunday.
As reported by InsideSport earlier, KL Rahul will make his wicketkeeping debut in IND vs SA 1st Test. KS Bharat had his chance to shine in the IND vs AUS Test series. But he failed to deliver with the bat. Ishan Kishan too had his chance but he did not look convincing. With Wriddhiman Saha out of the picture, India Cricket Team have turned to KL Rahul.
In the India practice session at Centurion on Sunday, KL Rahul had the keeping session while KS Bharat was only at the slips ahead of the IND vs SA 1st Test.
KL Rahul has already impressed with his keeping and DRS skills in the World Cup and ODIs. While his fitness remains a concern as he will have to keep wickets for 90 overs a day, Team India are taking the gamble. And it works in KL Rahul’s favour as he gets another go in Test cricket having lost his place due to poor run of form. Now, it’s his time to impress with the gloves in the IND vs SA 1st Test before Rishabh Pant returns late 2024 with the big gloves.