India’s head coach Rahul Dravid suggests KL Rahul may take on the role of wicketkeeper for the away team in their first South Africa Test. The test begins on Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion.
Detecting a gap between wicketkeeping in test matches and ODI formats, Dravid realizes. Yet, he thinks Rahul’s extensive experience in handling wickets could compliment his excellent batting skills.
Rahul Dravid said about KL Rahul to media on Sunday:
“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
Rahul Dravid views India’s team combination
While Rahul Dravid is aware that rain is anticipated for the opening two of days of the Test, he believes it is always advisable to make a team combination decision on the day of the game after inspecting the ground and the overhead circumstances.
In response, he stated:
“We will take a call on team combination on the day of the game looking at the pitch and the weather as well. We do check forecasts but they also say that the forecasts change with time so it’s always better to take a call on the day of the game. We do have the quality and personnel to play any kind of combination needed, be it three pacers two spinners or four pacers and a spinner.”
Rahul Dravid
Given that Mohammed Shami will miss the entire series due to an ankle injury, it would be intriguing to watch who India chooses as their third bowler.