Rahul Dravid has confirmed that KL Rahul will take on the wicketkeeping role for the Boxing Day Test, highlighting it as an exciting opportunity amidst Ishan’s absence.
KL Rahul has excelled in wicketkeeping since his stint in the ICC ODI World Cup, continuing his performance in the recent ODIs against South Africa. Despite his success in limited-overs cricket, the real test arrives in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, where he’ll take on the role in red-ball cricket. While KS Bharat is also in the squad as Ishan Kishan’s replacement, head coach Rahul Dravid has firmly stated that KL Rahul will be the designated wicketkeeper for the Boxing Day Test. He sees this as a unique challenge and an opportunity for Rahul to showcase his versatility.
“I see it as an exciting challenge, an opportunity for him to certainly do something different. Obviously, with Ishan not being available this opportunity came up, we had a couple of keepers to choose from and Rahul is one of them. We had discussed with him and he was very confident and was keen on giving it a go,” Dravid said when speaking to the press.
“We do understand it is not something he has done as often (keeping in Tests). But he has been doing it regularly in 50 overs cricket and that takes a lot out of your body. He has prepared well over the last five to six months, he has done a lot of keeping,” he added.
Utilizing Rahul as the wicketkeeper grants the team an additional batting option, particularly Shreyas Iyer. Without Kishan, having Rahul as the keeper eliminates the need to displace either Rahul or Iyer, ensuring both specialist batters’ places in the lineup.
Last Updated on December 25, 2023
