KL Rahul’s impressive show in white-ball cricket could put him back in contention for selection in the Test squad as reports have suggested that he could be the third opener in the New Zealand Test series. The update does come as a surprise but since other contenders haven’t played international cricket for long, Rahul made most out of the opportunity in white-ball cricket to impress the selectors.
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He might leapfrog Shubman Gill for a place in the squad as the reserve-opener. Gill had earned maiden Test call-up for the home Tests against South Africa and kept his spot for the Bangladesh Tests. Although he did not get a chance in the playing XI. A prolific run-scorer, Gill is part of India A squads for the New Zealand series and has already landed in the Kiwiland.
Prithvi Shaw, who played two Tests in 2018, was another contender for the reserve opener’s slot but a shoulder issue has put him out of contention and Shaw will not make a comeback in the Test squad.
Rahul’s last Test had come on the West Indies tour in 2019. A poor show in the Caribbean islands cost him his place and the team management decided to promote Rohit Sharma as the opener in the home season. With 556 runs in 2019, he has fixed his spot at the top of the order and looks set to open with Mayank Agarwal in the two New Zealand Tests.
It is to be noted that Rohit, in 2018, was recalled into the Test squad (for Australia tour) based on his white-ball form and Rahul might also earn a Test recall in a similar manner.
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While Rahul still waits to hear about his Test career, he looks set to open with Rohit Sharma in the T20I series. He had a good run in the series against West Indies and Sri Lanka and has leapfrogged Shikhar Dhawan for a place in the playing XI at least in the shortest format.
India tour of New Zealand kicks off on January 24.