KL Rahul Emerges As Rohit Sharma's Backup For BGT; To Open In India A's Unofficial Test

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Nov 6 2024, 7:40 PM | 2 Min Read

KL Rahul to return as opener in Tests ahead of Australia series [Source: LordGod188/X.com]

In an interesting development, KL Rahul has been viewed as Rohit Sharma’s potential backup as opener as the Indian captain is likely to miss the Perth Test due to personal reasons. ESPN Cricinfo reported that Rahul is set to open in India A’s second unofficial Test against Australia A in Melbourne in what could be a direct face off between Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran contesting for Rohit’s spot.

India’s first Test against Australia will kick off from November 22 at Perth. Ahead of the big opener, BCCI added KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to India A’s squad, which is set to clash with Australia A in the second unofficial Test at Melbourne. The idea was to give extra practice to bench players who missed major half of the home series against New Zealand.

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KL Rahul likely to replace Rohit Sharma as opener in BGT

Meanwhile, ESPN Cricinfo reported that KL Rahul has been asked to open with Abhimanyu Easwaran as he is now being viewed as a potential backup opener for captain Rohit Sharma. The Indian skipper is unlikely to be available for the Perth Test due to personal reasons, which leaves India without an opener.

While Easwaran was added to the 18-member final squad, Rahul has now entered the race as well. Notably, Rahul’s record overseas is remarkable as he is one of only two Asian openers to score Test centuries in England, South Africa, and Australia. 

However, his overall 34.94 average in 75 innings as an opener is modest. In contrast, Easwaran, a consistent domestic performer with 27 first-class centuries and an average of 49.40, has proven reliability at the top.

That being said, KL Rahul’s place in the middle order is captured by Sarfaraz Khan and hence BCCI wants to promote him at the top again, considering his success in overseas conditions.

Rohit Sharma to be dropped from Tests?

Rumours of wholesome changes in India’s Test setup has been rife ever since India got whitewashed at home by New Zealand. As per various reports, captain Rohit Sharma (37), veteran Virat Kohli (36), Ravindra Jadeja (35), and Ravichandran Ashwin (38) are likely to be dropped for the England Test tour scheduled for 2025. Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, is deeply concerned about the senior’s dropping standards in Test format and might seek change in case of a WTC final fallout.

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