KL Rahul Set to Feature as Specialist Batter in Upcoming England Test Series

In an effort to implement the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) workload management program, national selectors have urged contracted Indian players, especially those specializing in specific formats, to participate in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. This directive, aligned with the guidance of BCCI’s physios and strength and conditioning experts, aims to strike a balance in player workload.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur has responded to the call, making himself available for Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji match against Kerala on January 19. Despite being back from South Africa, Thakur refrained from featuring in the ongoing game against Andhra, adhering to the advice given to pacers about avoiding matches immediately after extensive travel.

Batsman Shreyas Iyer, seeking to regain form after a modest performance in the South Africa Test series, has made himself available for the match, contributing 48 runs in the first innings. However, his automatic selection in the upcoming England Test series is uncertain, with India likely to opt for KS Bharat as the specialist wicketkeeper.

KL Rahul, who excelled with a century in the Centurion Test, will play as a dedicated batter at No. 5. The final decision regarding his role will be made when the team gathers in Hyderabad for the first Test, scheduled to commence on January 25.

All-rounder Shivam Dube is expected to join Mumbai’s next match after fulfilling his India T20I commitments on January 17.

Also read: Saurashtra Faces Tough Challenge Against Haryana in Ranji Trophy

The omission of Ishan Kishan from the England Test series has sparked discussions, with selectors and team management reportedly expressing reservations about the wicketkeeper-batsman’s attitude towards red-ball cricket. India head coach Rahul Dravid has indicated that once Kishan participates in domestic cricket, he would make himself available for selection, following the break he took from cricket and his early departure from South Africa.