Will KL Rahul keep wickets in IND vs ENG test series? Head coach Rahul Dravid reveals

Head coach Rahul Dravid cleared air over KL Rahul’s role in the Indian test side.

India will resume their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign against England in a five-match test series. The first test will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Before this, India played a two-match test series against South Africa. KL Rahul played as a designated wicket-keeper batter against South Africa in the last months.

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has now confirmed in the pre-match press conference that KL Rahul will not be taking up the gloves against England in the upcoming test series. Two extra wicket-keepers were picked in the squad along with KL Rahul. Andhra Pradesh keeper KS Bharat and Uttar Pradesh keeper Dhurv Jurel are part of the Indian squad for first two tests.

Rahul Dravid confirms KL Rahul’s role

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that they were clear about this choice from earlier on and Virat’s absence has nothing to do with it. Dravid said while addressing the media, “Rahul won’t be playing as a wicketkeeper in the series. I think we were quite clear about that from the selection itself. We had picked two others who could keep for us.”

Rahul Dravid also added that despite KL Rahul’s magnificent performance as keeper, they wanted to go with specialist keeper on Indian tracks. Dravid added, “Obviously, Rahul did a fantastic job for us in South Africa and really played a big part in us helping draw that series, But considering five Test matches and playing in these conditions the selection will be between the two other keepers we have.”

KL Rahul did a fantastic job as a wicket-keeper for the Indian side in ODI cricket in the past few years. KS Bharat is likely to get the opportunity considering his FC experience. Andhra keeper Bharat has so far played five test matches for India. He was part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad against Australia in 2023.

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