In Kohli’s absence, India could try out KL Rahul at number 3
Ishan Kishan performing wicket-keeping drills instead of KL Rahul attracted immediate attention on the eve of the first ODI between India and Afghanistan.
Rahul has been India’s number one wicket-keeper batter for several years in limited-overs cricket, but now, with Kishan back in the ODI set-up, he could be relieved of his duties behind the stumps, going by what transpired on the only training session here before the game on Saturday.
While Kishan was going about his wicket-keeping drills, Rahul was seen taking high catches in the outfield of the scenic stadium. Virat Kohli’s absence from the series due to an injury has allowed India to try out players at the number three spot. Here too, Rahul could see a change in his role with the bat despite being settled nicely in the middle-order, specifically number five, over the last four years.
Speaking to the media, India bowling Coach Morne Morkel said not just Rahul, Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal could be tried out at the number three spot over the course of the Afghanistan series. “In terms of that number three slot, that’s something that in this series we’ll play around with. Even if it’s Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it’s a nice opportunity now. We’ve got a couple of one-day games coming up, and we’ll give guys an opportunity in different slots.
“Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options,” said the former South Africa pacer.
It seems Prince and Gurnoor have been around for four to five years.
Prince Yadav or Gurnoor Brar could make their India debut on Saturday. India trained in Chandigarh before travelling to Dharamsala.
As a fellow pacer, Morkel is impressed with both Prince and Gurnoor, who have been net bowlers for India for many years.
“My first impression, it is sort of, almost like they’ve been part of the squad for five years. I saw no nervousness on their face. Although I can imagine coming into the squad, they would be pretty nervous. But I think the way they’ve gone about their training, the energy they’ve trained with, was very, very nice and good to see.
“In terms of their skills, I can also see that they’ve done a lot of work on that. They’re on the money, accurate. And that makes my life a little bit easier.
Obviously, from here on, we’ll develop their game and sort of have conversations of how we can play that middle phase and work our plays in the death,” Morkel said. “How can we do that better? But definitely, on first impressions, very happy with what we saw as a group,” he added Morkel expressed hope that India’s chief coach Gautam Gambhir will try the duo out in the Afghanistan series.
“I’m pretty sure Gautam will give those guys an opportunity and see how they go in the Indian shirt. It’s different playing for international cricket with an Indian badge. We’re excited to have them.” Rohit Sharma too was part of the training session, having regained full fitness following his hamstring injury. While the team would miss Kohli, Morkel said it was good to have Rohit’s experience in the side.
“He has passed all his fitness tests. He’s cleared and ready to go. Even if there is a slight niggle, I can assure you there’s nothing wrong with Rohit. He’s moving well and training well. So, excited to see,” Morkel added.
