In Pant's absence, 'keeper's slot is wide open
KOLKATA: Rishabh Pant's unfortunate accident has thrown open some new possibilities for Team India heading into the 50-over World Cup later this year. While the Delhi wicketkeeper-batter is expected to make a comeback ahead of the mega event, the India team management will be keeping options open.
While skipper Rohit Sharma preferred to give Shubman Gill "a fair run" in the ODIs, many questioned the logic behind dropping an in-form Ishan Kishan, who hit a double hundred against Bangladesh last month. Although Gill grabbed his opportunity with both hands by hitting a classy 70 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the youngster cannot take his place for granted with Kishan waiting in the wings.
But the fight between the two youngsters will not be limited to the top order only, as Kishan's wicketkeeping skills will keep KL Rahul on his toes too. Although Kishan has played mostly up the order, the Jharkhand player is ready to play at any position.
"I don't think batting positions in this team is certain. Many big players are playing in different positions. It's all about performance," Kishan had stated after his double ton last month. Rahul, who is not a specialist wicketkeeper, has served the purpose well by donning the big gloves, keeping a slot open to field an extra batter or bowler. But his inconsistency with the bat is a worry.
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin was quoted as saying, "Consistency is the problem in KL Rahul's case. It is not the good balls that are getting him out. It is poor shot selection that is causing problems."
Another wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson, may also fancy his chances. Coach Rahul Dravid has often spoken highly about him while working with him with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL.
