The upcoming Test series between India and South Africa is set to kick off on 26th December at Supersport Park in Centurion. One of the key talking points has been the choice of the wicketkeeper for India, and the team’s head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that KL Rahul will take on the responsibility.
This marks a significant move for Rahul, who has been a consistent performer with the bat but is relatively new to wicket keeping in Test matches. Parthiv Patel, a former Indian wicketkeeper, shared his thoughts on the decision, emphasizing that Test cricket demands a regular wicketkeeper with experience in the Ranji Trophy.
The Indian squad includes two wicket keepers, KL Rahul and KS Bharat. The latter was brought into the team after Ishan Kishan’s unavailability, but with Rahul’s impressive batting form, it was almost certain he would play.
india’s test match wicketkeeper should be someone who is keeping regularly in ranji trophy or first class cricket….#imho #INDvSA #IndianCricket
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) December 24, 2023
KL Rahul has showcased his wicket keeping skills in recent months, earning praise for his sharp catches and accurate Decision Review System (DRS) calls. However, the longer duration and nuances of Test cricket pose new challenges, especially with the red ball. The role of a wicketkeeper in Tests is crucial, influencing various aspects of the game.
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After Parthiv Patel expressed his views on social media, a fan took a dig at him, highlighting past instances where Patel dropped catches during the 2018 South Africa tour. Patel, in response, took a swipe at selectors, expressing his disappointment at being dropped despite a decent performance in the Test series against South Africa.
As the cricketing community eagerly awaits the Test series, all eyes will be on KL Rahul as he takes on the dual role of a key batsman and the designated wicketkeeper, facing the challenges that come with the red ball and the longer format of the game.