IND vs AUS: KL Rahul Can Still Find A Place In The Playing XI

Former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes KL Rahul can still find a place in playing 11 in the third test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, even though he was sacked as India’s vice-captaincy, Karim believes Rahul can still find a place in the team. Rahul failed to impress in the ongoing series against Australia. The 30-year-old was picked ahead of the in-form Shubman Gill.

Many experts want Shubman Gill to replace KL Rahul in the third test to be held in Indore. Rahul has been dealing with injuries for most of 2022 and struggling to find form in 2023. Saba Karim speaking to India News Sports said that his removal came as an indication that he is not able to perform to the team’s expectations.

“The signal is very clear that he [KL Rahul] has been removed from the vice-captaincy because his performances haven’t been up to the mark. However, this doesn’t mean that he won’t find a place in the playing XI. It’s just that you can only be the vice-captain if you perform well.”

Saba Karim also reckoned that winning the series would be seen as an advantage so that KL Rahul is provided with a chance in the squad in the final two tests and he said that India might give him a few more chances.

“The advantage for KL Rahul is that India has been winning. Things would have been different had India been trailing 2-0. There wouldn’t have been any hesitation in dropping Rahul from the team. Since India are ahead, and we know that these wickets are tough to bat on, I feel that he is still going to get a few more chances.”

Indian opening batter Rahul was dismissed by Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon in both innings of the last test match after scoring 17 and 1. With the highest score of 23 in his last 10 test innings, Rahul’s last Test century came in December 2021 against South Africa.

Shubman Gill has been in the purple patch of his career and he has done a fine job as an opener so far — 689 runs in 13 matches at 31.31 and the majestic 91 at Brisbane. In ODIs, his last five scores have been 21, 116, 208, 40*, and 112. Gill will most likely replace KL Rahul in playing 11 of the third test.

Rishabh Pant Is An Ideal Candidate For The Post Of Vice-Captain – Saba Karim

Saba Karim believes Team India hasn’t named a new vice-captain in Tests after KL Rahul’s removal from the position as the team management might be waiting for Rishabh Pant’s return.

“Everybody is waiting for Rishabh Pant to return. He is an ideal candidate for the post of vice-captain. He was being groomed too. We also need to consider who is going to lead the WTC cycle that starts in two years.

According to reports, Australian opener David Warner will lead the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL in absence of regular skipper Rishabh Pant, who suffered a traumatic car accident last year. The Capitals will get their campaign underway on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants after the first match of the 2023 season.