Former player and wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel shared his worries. He’s troubled about KL Rahul being given wicketkeeping duties. This is for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
Parthiv Patel said that India should select a keeper who consistently records wickets in domestic cricket rather than a part-timer on X (previously Twitter).
He penned:
“India’s test match wicketkeeper should be someone who is keeping regularly in ranji trophy or first class cricket.”
Parthiv Patel
Many people ridiculed Patel for his remarks; one person even made fun of him for his subpar glove work during India’s 2018 tour of South Africa. In response to a tweet that questioned Patel’s ability to keep wicket, he cheekily wrote:
“to wo drop ho jata hai…” (then he would get dropped)
Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel was brought in to replace an injured Wriddhiman Saha in the second Test of India’s 2018 South Africa tour – a notable detail. In the second innings, his miss of Dean Elgar’s catch attracted criticism.
Rahul Dravid confident of KL Rahul’s preparation as India’s keeper for SA Tests
KL Rahul, who previously performed as a wicketkeeper for India in white-ball matches, is now ready to take up the same position for red-ball games. His next challenge? The incoming two-game Test series against South Africa.
India’s head coach Rahul Dravid made a hint before of the Boxing Day Test that Rahul will probably start the first Test of the series as the keeper. Addressing reporters, he stated:
“It is a different challenge and an exciting one for him (KL Rahul). With Ishan not being available this opportunity came up. We have a couple of keepers to choose from. Rahul is very confident and keen on giving it a go. We do understand that it’s not something he has probably done often. That’s certainly tough to keep wickets for 50 overs and bat as well. It takes a lot out of your body. He has prepared well for the past 5-6 months. There won’t be as much spin bowling here as it will be pace and that will ease him into his role.”
Rahul Dravid
India and South Africa’s first Test is scheduled at SuperSport Park, Centurion. It will take place from the 26th to the 30th of December.