Top 3 Players Who Can Replace KL Rahul in India's Squad in WTC Final
Sarfaraz Khan | Source: Twitter
In a major blow to team India's preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, the star wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of the marquee event.
The 31-year-old sustained a severe injury to his right thigh while fielding during a recent match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2023 edition of the IPL.
The absence of KL Rahul will undoubtedly be felt by team India, as he was an integral part of the side and the third-highest run-scorer during their last tour of England, amassing 315 runs, which included a match-winning century at Lords.
With Rishabh Pant already out of the marquee event, it was expected that Rahul would take on the wicketkeeping duties and potentially open the innings with Rohit Sharma. However, his injury has now left the selectors and management scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
On that note, let’s explore three potential candidates who could step up to fill the void:
1. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan | Source: Twitter
If the Indian selectors are looking to give credit to consistent performers in the Ranji trophy, Sarfaraz Khan should be the first name on the Indian selectors' list.
The Mumbai batter has been knocking on the doors of the Indian cricket team for quite some time now, and his recent performances in the Ranji trophy have been exceptional.
The 2022-23 edition of it saw Sarfaraz scoring a total of 556 runs in just nine innings, at an incredible batting average of 92.66, with three centuries and one half-century to his name in the tournament.
Looking at his overall first-class numbers, he has scored 3505 runs in 37 matches at a phenomenal average of 79.65. He has also registered 13 centuries and nine half-centuries to his name, showcasing his ruthless batting prowess with the bat.
Furthermore, despite mounting pressure from fans and cricket experts worldwide to select Sarfaraz Khan for the Indian Test team following a couple of stellar Ranji seasons, he ultimately missed out on a spot, as sources within the management reportedly felt he needed more time to prove himself.
However, with the Indian management currently facing a plethora of injury concerns, they are desperately in need of a player who can handle both pace and spin and effectively navigate the middle order and in such a case, Sarfaraz Khan could be a great choice.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav | Source: Twitter
Suryakumar Yadav's selection in India's Test squad for their home series against Australia did not pan out as expected, as he struggled to find his rhythm and looked completely out of form in the following ODIs, having registered three back-to-back ducks.
Although his suitability for the longest format of the game has been debated, his numbers in red-ball cricket speak for themselves. The Mumbai stalwart has amassed 5,557 runs in 80 first class matches he played at an average of 44.55. He has 14 centuries and 28 half-centuries to his name.
Although he might be coming in as a replacement for KL Rahul, his solid technique and penchant for attacking cricket could make him a valuable addition to the middle order, providing the same spark as Rishabh Pant.
3. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran | Source: Twitter
The Bengal batter was added to India’s squad for the Test series in Bangladesh in December 2022, however, he didn’t get a chance to feature in any of the two games.
The 27-year-old had a brilliant run in the 2022-23 edition of the Ranji Trophy, which saw him amassing 798 runs in 14 innings at an average of 66.50 with three centuries and as many fifties to his name.
Talking about his overall tally in first-class cricket, Easwaran has piled up 6556 runs in 87 matches at an average of 48 with the help of 22 tons and 26 half-centuries.
As Easwaran has already been under consideration by the Indian selectors, his excellent numbers in red-ball cricket will only do good to him.
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