KL Rahul Shifts Focus To Batting: Steps Down From Test Wicketkeeping Role

KL Rahul will no longer serve as a wicketkeeper in Test cricket, with this change beginning in the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting on January 25 in Hyderabad, according to reliable sources. The 31-year-old, who recently scored a brilliant 101 in the first Test against South Africa, will now focus solely on his batting role.

The decision to exclude Rahul from wicketkeeping duties aims to preserve him as a valuable batting asset and reduce the risk of injury. The wicketkeeping responsibilities for the series will be handled by KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel. Bharat, having last played for India in June 2023, gets an opportunity for a Test comeback, while Jurel’s impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals and Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket have earned him a spot in the squad.

Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has also been recalled to the Test side, marking his return after his last appearance in December 2022 against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan was not considered for the series as he had requested leave during the South Africa tour, and his availability for selection remains uncertain.