INDORE: Indian cricketer KL Rahul will no longer don the gloves as a wicketkeeper in Test matches, as per recent decisions made regarding team composition. The 31-year-old, who impressed with a century against South Africa, is set to focus solely on his batting for the upcoming five-match home Test series against England starting January 25 in Hyderabad. The Indian team, which was announced late on Friday, includes three wicketkeepers: Rahul, KS Bharat, and the newly called up Dhruv Jurel.
Sources confirmed that Rahul’s wicketkeeping would cease to allow him to preserve his energy and reduce injury risk, putting the spotlight on KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel to take on the role behind the stumps. Bharat’s last Test appearance was in June 2023, while Jurel has been recognized for his impressive performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. Additionally, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been recalled to the Test squad.
Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan player and coach Kumar Sangakkara shared his enthusiasm about Jurel’s selection on the national team. The promising 22-year-old ‘keeper-batter had shown his mettle in the IPL, noted for his ability to handle pressure and finish games. With Jurel’s work ethic and impressive strike rate, he lends potential as a match-winner in the shorter formats. Sangakkara also remarked on Rajasthan Royal’s role in nurturing young talent for the national cricket landscape.