'He Has Done Well To..', Ravi Shastri Backs Forgotten IND Star To Play The WTC Final

KL Rahul played a gorgeous knock in Mumbai ODI [Source: AP]

Experienced Indian batter KL Rahul has had a torrid time in international cricket of late. After making his comeback from an injury layoff in August last year, Rahul underwent a slump in form, recording a string of low scores. While he blew hot and cold in the T20 World Cup, his inconsistency in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy led to his ouster from the Test setup. 

However, the Karnataka batter silenced his critics in style, guiding India to a thumping five-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI in Mumbai. Chasing 189, the Men in Blue were in a spot of bother, placed at 39 for four at one stage. However, Rahul showcased exemplary skills to bail the hosts out of trouble and help them take a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. 

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Besides having a great outing with the bat, Rahul was impressive with the gloves behind the stumps. Therefore, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri backed him to play the WTC final as the keeper ahead of KS Bharat, who had tough times, with both bat and gloves, in the Australia Tests. 

Here's what Shastri explained

"He has really done well to keep the selectors interested ahead of the WTC final. India can bolster their batting if Rahul can keep wickets. Rahul can bat in the middle-order No. 5 or No. 6. in England, you have to generally keep wickets from far behind. You don’t have to keep up to the spinners a lot. He has 3 more ODIs to go before the IPL. He can cement his place in that Indian team."

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Meanwhile, India will look to take an unassailable lead by defeating the visitors in the second ODI scheduled in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.