Former opener and renowned commentator, Gautam Gambhir, has declared that KL Rahul’s remarkable comeback to international cricket has solidified his role as India’s No.4 wicketkeeper-batter for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Gambhir’s assertion follows Rahul’s outstanding century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four clash, marking a triumphant return after a lengthy injury-induced hiatus.
Rahul had been sidelined from the game since May due to an injury sustained during the Indian Premier League. However, his determination and dedicated recovery paid off, enabling him to make a sensational return to the Indian team. In the pivotal match against Pakistan, Rahul’s century played a crucial role in India’s victory over their arch-rivals.
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Gautam Gambhir commented on the situation, stating, “I think the team management has made it very clear that it’s going to be KL Rahul who would be keeping in the World Cup because there was Ishan Kishan, and if Kishan was in the scheme of things to play on the 11th against Australia, then he would have kept wickets for India because he was the main wicket-keeper. But now, in the last two games, KL Rahul has kept wicket.”
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While discussing India’s batting order, Gambhir noted some remaining uncertainties, particularly concerning the No.5 position. Several options are under consideration, including the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer, positioning Suryakumar Yadav at seven and Hardik Pandya at five, or placing Ravindra Jadeja in the fifth slot. However, Gambhir underscored the significance of supporting KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batsman at number four.
“So, the number five position is now open. Whether Shreyas Iyer comes into it, whether they play Suryakumar at seven and Hardik at five, or Jadeja at five, now KL Rahul has secured that number four spot as a wicketkeeper-batsman. So, it is pretty much clear, which is good for Indian cricket that they have backed KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper now and who’s batting at number four,” added Gambhir.