We Love Options – Ravi Shastri On Backing KL Rahul As Wicketkeeper
Jan 22, 2020 at 4:30 PM
The current Indian team management doesn’t shy away from exploring its options. KL Rahul who had a sublime series against Australia now will be backed as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman. Rahul had taken the keeping onus after Rishabh Pant was hit on the head by a bumper from Pat Cummins in the first ODI at Mumbai. Pant suffered a concussion and he was ruled out of the second ODI.
However, Rahul did fine work with the gloves in the second and third ODI. Furthermore, the flamboyant right-hander scored 146 runs in the three matches. Rahul was also awarded the Man of the match for his scoring a quickfire 52-ball 80 to lift India to 340 runs in the second ODI.
Rahul has grabbed his chance with both hands.
In fact, Rishabh Pant was fit for the third ODI but the think tank didn’t alter the winning combination. Subsequently, Virat Kohli said the team will back KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper for the time being.
Shastri told PTI in an exclusive interaction, “We love options.”
On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan has had his issues with multiple injuries in the recent past. Dhawan was ruled out of the World Cup with a thumb injury, then suffered a knee injury and recently suffered a shoulder injury, which has ruled him out of the limited-overs leg against New Zealand.
“Very sad because he (Dhawan) is a senior player. He is a match-winner. When someone suffers an injury of that sort, everyone is hurt in the team,” added the 57-year-old.
Meanwhile, India has not been able to cross the last hurdles in the major ICC events. Ravi Shastri added the aim is to be the best team possible and also end the voodoo of a big trophy.
“That toss will be taken out of the equation, we will play well irrespective of conditions, of opponents and in every country of the world. That’s what our aim is and that is what we are chasing. Yes, the World Cup remains an obsession and we will do all to fulfill that ambition.”
India’s tour of New Zealand comprises five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests from January 24 to March 4.