Team India’s top-order batsman KL Rahul has made his case strong following his quality innings at Rajkot. Thus, owing to his batting show, Rahul has subsequently pushed Virat Kohli and selectors to consider him for the Test fold. Every time Rahul got the opportunity, he has managed to take out his team from a difficult situation by playing sensible knocks.
In the ongoing ODI Australia series at home, he proved to be beneficial at every batting order. According to the captain’s demand, the right-hand batsman scored runs both at No. 3 and No. 5 in the first and second ODI matches respectively.
In the second ODI, Rahul had played the role of his former skipper MS Dhoni as the finisher. The 27-year-old scored 80 runs in 52 balls; striking six fours and three sixes. Also, India went on to win the Rajkot match by 36 runs after the Australian team was restricted at 304.
Reportedly, Rahul’s constant performance can earn him a place back in the longest format. Last year, Rahul lost his place from the team in Tests after looking off-colour. He was dropped from the Test team throughout the home season. However, it will be a piece of delighting news for the wicket-keeper batsman to return to the Test set-up.
Meanwhile, Indian team management is also waiting for the all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had undergone surgery of his lower back. He last featured with Men in Blue in the South Africa T20 series. Recently, Pandya pulled himself out from the India A’s squad which toured to New Zealand–to focus more on his fitness. If he gets fit, he will be a preferred choice in the ODI squad which will tour New Zealand.
Possibility of Ajinkya Rahane’s return in ODIs:
According to the BCCI source in selection development, Kedar Jadhav can be snubbed from the ODI set-up because of his inconsistency. While Ajinkya Rahane can earn a spot in the 50-over format.
“Kedar is certainly not going to play 2023 World Cup and doesn’t even bowl now. Since he is not in T20, no point in carrying him to New Zealand. Possibly Surya or Rahane should be tried,” a BCCI source told PTI.
Meanwhile, after competing against Australia at home, India will tour New Zealand to play five-match T20Is, three-match ODIs and two-match Test series respectively.