Why can't he be dropped: Kapil Dev raises questions on KL Rahul's place in XI

KL Rahul had a poor Bangladesh tour [Source: Twitter]

Keeping a place in the Indian Test side is becoming ever tougher, with a plethora of talented batters warming the bench. With the unavailability of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, places in the Indian lower-middle order have opened up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023.

The toss-up remains between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, on who will play in the first Test at Nagpur, with the former getting support from ex-players. 

Former India captain Kapil Dev, in harsh criticism of Rahul, has questioned the Indian vice-captain's place in the XI. Speaking on Uncut, Dev explained that team selection should take priority. 

In 2022, KL scored 137 runs in four Tests, however, his record against Australia is fairly good, averaging 38.66 in nine matches.

"Why can't KL be dropped? There should be no such rule. You need to look at team combination, who do we need. There is no necessity. He is a very matured player; I even like him.

"I consider him to be a fine batter but if he doesn't fit in the team, then let it be. The team comes first and I guess for that the captain and the management needs to take a call. Some players are lucky, like how Rahul Dravid played many such matches as a keeper."

The Indian vice-captain did not dwell on the team selection during his press conference on Tuesday, ahead of the first Test starting February 9.

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