Coach Dravid backs Rahul’s ability to keep in Tests
The Karnataka batter is likely to keep wickets and bad in the middle-order against South Africa in Centurion.
CHENNAI: The last time KL Rahul stepped onto the SuperSport Park in Centurion to play in a Test in 2021, it turned out to be a match to remember for him and the Indian team. The opener scored a splendid century as India beat South Africa by 113 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Days after that Test, Rahul was thrown into the deep end as he had to lead the country in the next match as then captain Virat Kohli missed the game due to a back spasm.
While it is the highest honour for any cricketer, the crown came with a burden. Rahul scored a fifty in the first innings, but India lost the match and the momentum. Kohli was back for the third Test, but the hosts, led by Dean Elgar, piled on, securing a come-from-behind series win in Cape Town.
Two years on, he is back in Centurion, and this time, too, there is a massive challenge in front of him as India are getting ready for the boxing day Test in Centurion. Rahul is not an opener anymore. Neither is Shubman Gill. Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to take guard with Rohit Sharma at the other end. If Rahul plays, it will be as a middle-order batter who keeps wickets.
Comments are closed.