Even though Kapil Dev is a big fan of KL Rahul, he thinks that the management shouldn’t put the player into the Playing XI if he doesn’t deserve a spot or if it would disturb the team combination.
There is only one day left till the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy match between India and Australia begins, and the home team is struggling to choose a team for the series opener in Nagpur. The Indian team’s player composition is uncertain. However, the VCA Stadium’s playing surface has been debated. KL Rahul acknowledged the management’s dilemma in choosing the top eleven players. Who will open with Rohit Sharma, Rahul, or Shubman Gill? If so, who bats fifth? Will Suryakumar Yadav debut? Will India play three spinners in its lineup? If so, between Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who will it be? There are numerous unanswered questions.
Former India captain Kapil Dev has given an insightful opinion regarding vice-captain KL Rahul amidst all the commotions. The team management has put their faith in Rahul, but he has yet to live up to their expectations. The fact that Rahul will probably start with Rohit again adds a layer of mystery, but it also means that Shubman Gill won’t get a chance to play. Gill might be dropped to make room for Suryakumar Yadav, or he could be awkwardly pushed into the middle order. Since the start of 2022, Rahul has only played four Tests and only scored one half-century. This has prompted Kapil to question Rahul’s continued inclusion in the team. While India’s first World Cup champion, Kapil Dev, respects Rahul – The batsman, he doesn’t think the team management should try to include him in the starting XI if he doesn’t deserve it or if it will disturb the team’s combination.
Kapil Dev stated, “I don’t understand why KL Rahul can’t be dropped. Selecting the right player to balance the team’s composition is vital. There doesn’t seem to be a vice-captain position in Indian cricket. A different vice-captain was used in each Test match back when I used to play. I truly like watching him play now that he has reached such a high level of maturity. I think he’s a great batsman, but if he can’t sync with the rest of the squad, that’s fine. As captain and management, I feel it is their responsibility to make the best decision for the team. There are some lucky players. Often, Rahul Dravid was only selected in the squad due to his position as wicketkeeper.”
Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are still determining whether they expect the same of Rahul in Tests as they do in ODIs, where he has been demoted to the middle order. With his present form, Gill is the clear choice to open the innings for India. If India is looking for a potential candidate, Gill is the one who has already proven himself in the different formats this year. Rahul also provides an intriguing dynamic as a wicketkeeper to the team. If Ishan Kishan stays with the team, he will be the primary wicketkeeper, although the team’s management may be tempted to temporarily put Rahul into the position.
