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 removed as India’s vice-captaincy. Rahul could have impressed in the ongoing series against Australia, and the 30-year-old was chosen by the selectors ahead of the in-form Shubman Gill. Saba Karim has also said that Team India has not elected anyone as the new vice-captain in Tests after KL Rahul, as the team management might be waiting for return of Rishabh Pant.
He suggested that the Rishabh Pant could be India’s next vice-captain in the red-ball format. Karim pointed out that Pant was groomed for leadership before he sustained significant injuries in a fatal car crash in December last year.
He said, “There is a reason why India has not named a vice-captain; Karim made these remarks during a discussion. “Everybody is waiting for Rishabh Pant to return, and he is an ideal candidate for the post of vice-captain, and he was being groomed too. We must also consider who will lead in the WTC cycle that starts in two years.”
Many experts have suggested Shubman Gill replace KL Rahul in the 3rd test in Indore. KL 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 indicated that he could not perform to the team’s expectations.
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 opportunities.
“The advantage for KL Rahul is that India has been winning. Things would have been different had India been trailing 2-0, and 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, he will still get a few more chances.”
