End of road for Ajinkya Rahane in tests, KL Rahul likely to be added as back-up wicket-keeper - Reports

Ajinkya Rahane played his last test match for India in West Indies tour in July 2023.

In a surprising turn of events, Indian selectors are paving the way for the end of Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane who has had an illustrious test career, there has been a potential shift in the dynamics of Indian cricket team. Reports suggest that the selectors are contemplating omitting Rahane from the upcoming test series in South Africa, choosing instead to groom younger players for a sustained future. This decision has opened the door for KL Rahul, a versatile player with recent success in the white-ball format and potential backup wicket-keeping capabilities.

Ajinkya Rahane, once a key member of Indian test team and vice-captain, is now facing uncertainties regarding his place in the squad. The selectors’ stance becomes clearer as they express their desire to build a team for the long run, considering the return of Shreyas Iyer to test cricket and Shubman Gill’s promotion to the No. 3 spot. The emerging narrative suggests that Rahane might not find a place in the playing XI, creating an opportunity for KL Rahul to step in, not just as a batsman but also as a backup wicket-keeper.

Ajinkya Rahane being sidelined

The potential exclusion of Ajinkya Rahane signifies a shift towards a more youthful and dynamic approach. KL Rahul’s dual capabilities as a batsman and a backup wicket-keeper make him an intriguing prospect for the upcoming test series

“The selection committee is very clear that it wants to groom players who will play together for a longer period of time. With Shreyas Iyer coming back into Test reckoning and Shubman Gill batting at No. 3, there is little scope for Rahane,” a source revealed to TOI. This underlines the selectors’ strategic vision to invest in youth and build a team for future. Rahane’s recent performances and fluctuating form seems to be working against him, as the selectors are considering alternative options.

KL Rahul’s inclusion as a backup wicket-keeper adds a layer of versatility to the squad. Having successfully donned the gloves in white-ball cricket, Rahul’s skill set extends beyond just batting. “KL Rahul too could be considered for the test matches as he could be a backup wicket-keeping option,” further revealed the source. This suggests that the selectors view Rahul not only as a contender for a batting position but also as insurance for the wicket-keeping role, providing the team with added flexibility.

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