KL Rahul suffered a hip injury during the IPL 2023 match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Later, the cricketer himself affirmed that he will not only miss the remainder of the season of the lucrative league but also the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on June 7 at The Oval, England.
Consequently, who will succeed him in the Indian team is one of the most talked-about topics in the cricketing world right now. He was expected to perform the role of wicketkeeper-batsman for the team, but in his absence, KS Bharat is likely to participate in the marquee match. Speaking on the subject, former Indian batsman Amol Muzumdar stated that KL Rahul was never an option for the playing XI because he was not an accomplished wicketkeeper in English conditions.
“I stand by what I’ve said. You need an authentic goalkeeper who can bat a little. At least for me, KL Rahul was never an option in test matches. Muzumdar told ESPNCricinfo, “It’s acceptable for T20 and fifty-over matches, but you need a genuine keeper for Tests, especially in England, where the ball nibbles.”
Amol Muzumdar, a former Indian batsman, recommends Ishan Kishan for the WTC final.
Interestingly, Muzumdar mentioned Ishan Kishan before Bharat, citing Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate incident and inability to play for the Indian Test team. Speaking of comparable batting characteristics and explosiveness, he believes nobody can replicate Pant as closely as Kishan.
“Given the circumstances, what occurred to Rahul is unfortunate. Nevertheless, I would consider including Ishan Kishan on the roster, given his recent performance. The reason we discussed KL Rahul and KS Bharat is due to the regrettable incident involving Rishabh Pant. Ishan Kishan is the closest man-to-man replacement for Pant that is currently available. Consequently, he joins my staff. He should be included, continued Muzumdar.
Karun Nair has been named KL Rahul’s successor for the remainder of the season by the Lucknow franchise. Ishan Kishan is most likely the frontrunner to replace Rahul in the WTC final squad. The BCCI has yet to comment on the Indian team, but Ishan Kishan is likely the frontrunner to replace Rahul in the WTC final squad.
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