From the Cricket Pundits suggesting nominating him for all-format captaincy to netizens criticising BCCI for not dropping him, Indian cricketer KL Rahul has come down to a struggling path as he desires to make a comeback soon. Despite the support of head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, his place in the XI was in doubt after he was removed as vice-captain for the third and fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests.
Shubman Gill, who has been in excellent form in white-ball cricket in recent months and scored his maiden Test century in Bangladesh last year, is set to replace Rahul in India’s XI. Gill will almost certainly partner with captain Rohit as India looks to win the series and qualify for the World Test Championship final.
Shubman Gill, who is expected to replace Rahul as opener in the third Test, has had longer batting sessions and extended catching practises in the slips and forward short-leg, all of which point to his return to the whites. When asked about the practise sessions and Gill’s active participation in the lead-up – the most in the series – captain Rohit said it was routine. Rohit stated that the XI would be revealed only at the toss.
“As far as Gill and KL both are concerned, that is how they train and practice before any game. Today was an optional training session for the entire group. All 17-18 are in the reckoning. It’s not just about Gill and Rahul. But as far as our XI is concerned, we have not finalised it yet. I prefer it to be announced at the toss. Can’t count out last-minute injuries and all and we will keep it interesting for you guys as well,” Rohit added.