Star Indian batter KL Rahul demonstrated his wicketkeeping capabilities by keeping for approximately 45 minutes at the nets ahead of the key Super 4s clash against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023.
Despite his impressive batting performance in the National Cricket Academy’s match simulation process and at the nets, his wicket-keeping skills have been a topic of debate. His rigorous training at the nets may have increased his chances of being included in India’s playing 11 for the Super 4 match against Pakistan on Sunday. Rahul’s last ODI appearance for India was against Australia in Chennai in March this year.
Rahul’s training at the Premadasa Stadium on Friday involved various match scenarios as reported by news agency PTI. The session commenced with Rahul standing up to the stumps while two support staff members simulated the roles of batter and bowler, providing realistic practice of keeping to spinners. He was also tested on collecting the ball outside off-stump, a task he managed to perform while crouching throughout the entire duration of the training without any discomfort. This could be a positive sign for the team management regarding Rahul’s recovery from a niggle, separate from the right thigh injury that required surgery and rehabilitation.
Rahul then shifted his focus to collecting the ball down the leg-side, successfully acing the test as the support staff aimed their throws in that direction. Following this, an assessment was conducted to test his ability to affect stumpings. Later, Kuldeep Yadav batted to test Rahul’s readiness to keep against a left-handed batter. Despite clear indications of his readiness, the team management will need to carefully consider whether to include Rahul in the playing 11.
In Rahul’s absence, Ishan Kishan has been fulfilling the role of wicket-keeper. Kishan has impressed many with his performances, scoring four half-centuries in as many matches – three against the West Indies and one against Pakistan. The Jharkhand left-hander also demonstrated commendable adaptability, batting at No. 5 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup league match and producing a composed 81-ball 82. Although the management might be tempted to continue with Kishan, Rahul’s return could prompt a change in strategy.
In the past, players have often walked straight back into the 11 after recuperation, with Shreyas Iyer being the most recent example. After a six-month hiatus, Iyer returned to the India side during the match against Pakistan at Pallekele and was assigned the No. 4 slot, his preferred position.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who was the travelling reserve, has returned to India following Rahul’s rejoining of the squad. Jasprit Bumrah, who had skipped the Asia Cup league match against Nepal to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, has also rejoined the squad and has been actively training in the nets. (INPUTS BY PTI)
