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Ruturaj Gaikwad And...? 3 Players Who Could Replace KL Rahul In ODI Squad Vs England

Anurag Dasgupta

3 potential KL Rahul replacements [Source: @dasjy0tirmay/X.Com] 3 potential KL Rahul replacements [Source: @dasjy0tirmay/X.Com]

After a gruelling Test series against the Australian side, KL Rahul requested a break from the game and it was granted by BCCI as the star player is set to rest for the white-ball tour of England. With the Champions Trophy in mind, the keeper-batter has decided to take some time off the game.

In a Test series where India got humbled, KL Rahul was one of the better performers and scored crucial runs at the top of the order. However, he has decided to skip the upcoming tour and has also been assured of a place in India's Champions Trophy squad.

With the ODI series squad selection coming up, we look at 3 players who could potentially replace him in the squad.

3) Sai Sudharsan

The definition of elegance, Sai Sudharsan is one of the most technically gifted Indian players in the domestic circuit and interestingly has already made his international debut for the nation. However, with the senior players coming back, he was dropped from the squad.

After the Champions Trophy, India should build their ODI team for the future and Sai Sudharsan should be at the top of the priority list. The upcoming ODI series Vs England could provide a great chance for the youngster to showcase his skills.

2) Ruturaj Gaikwad

If the senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli get rested, and with no KL Rahul in the side, the Indian team needs a solid opener, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the prime options. He has already carved a name for himself in the T20Is, and this could be the time to shine in ODIs as well.

In 6 ODIs, he has only scored 115 runs, but if given a longer rope, things could change as India should definitely build a team for the future.

1) Sanju Samson

December 21, 2023 was the last time Sanju Samson played an ODI game and he scored a terrific century Vs South Africa. However, despite performing well, he wasn't selected in the next ODI tour of Sri Lanka in 2024.

With no KL Rahul, India will only have Rishabh Pant as the designated keeper, and hence, the selectors could go in with Sanju Samson as the second keeper. The Kerala batter is riding high on confidence after a great T20I series Vs South Africa and should get a game in the ODI series.