Can KL Rahul keep wickets for the whole duration of an ODI? That question has become increasingly popular following his inclusion in India’s squad for the ongoing Asia Cup and upcoming World Cup. But on Friday, Rahul might have answered a few skeptics as he remained at the nets for nearly 45 minutes. While Rahul has been quite fluent with the NCA match simulation process and netting here, his wicketkeeping has remained a subject of speculation. Rahul’s intensive goalkeeping practice at the nets could also have increased his chances of being included in India’s field of play for Sunday’s Super 4 match against Pakistan. Rahul last played for India in an ODI match against Australia in Chennai in March this year.
Going through different scenarios of a match was the core of Rahul’s training at Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Practice began with Rahul standing up against the tree stumps while two support staffers performed batsman and bowler duties, a simulation of holding onto spinners.
Rahul was given a test on how to collect the ball outside the tree stump, and the 31-year-old also managed to crouch throughout practice without much discomfort.
It could have given team management a bright omen of Rahul’s recovery from a minor issue unrelated to the right thigh injury that necessitated surgery and rehabilitation.
Rahul soon shifted his focus to collecting the ball down the leg side, while the support staff directed his throws in that direction.
Rahul passed the test without much effort and slid down the leg to collect the balls.
The drill followed an assessment to test his ability to influence stumpings, and later Kuldeep Yadav batted when Rahul’s willingness to hold his ground against a southpaw batter was also tested.
Despite the clear indications that he is ready, the team management will have to think deeply about giving Rahul a place in the 11.
In Rahul’s absence, Ishan Kishan played the role of wicket-keeper-batter.
Kishan played four half-centuries in as many matches: three against the West Indies and one against Pakistan, to impress everyone.
The left-handed Jharkhand also showed encouraging adaptability in this interim. Kishan hit his favorite opening slot against the Windies.
But the management asked him to bat at number 5 against Pakistan in the Asian Cup league game, and Kishan produced a composite 81-ball 82.
Management might be tempted to continue with Kishan, but Rahul’s return might have brought about a change in thinking.
In the past you have also seen players walk straight back into the 11 after recovery, with Shreyas Iyer being the latest example.
The Mumbaikar, who returned to India after a six-month hiatus during the match against Pakistan at Pallekele, was assigned the number 4, his chosen position.
Meanwhile, traveling reserve Sanju Samson returned to India after Rahul joined the squad here.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who skipped the Asia Cup match against Nepal to be with his wife due to the birth of their first child, has also rejoined the squad and sweated it out at the nets.
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