India’s wicketkeeper conundrum continues as BCCI wants KL Rahul to step aside

After their three-game T20I series against Afghanistan, India will once again shift its focus to the longest format. The side is slated to take on England in a five-game Test series from January 25, and a new report came forward that stated that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) aims to relieve star player KL Rahul from his dual duties of wicketkeeping and batting.

Keeping in mind the challenges that come with turning Indian pitches for the wicketkeepers, the higher-ups want Rahul to focus solely on his batting, as this would help him manage his workload significantly. It is worth noting that KL Rahul kept the wickets during both Test matches, where India took on South Africa.

The change in the wicketkeeper role could open up several avenues for other stars like Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat. The absence of Rishabh Pant from the squad has left a big void, and the five-game series against England could prove to be a good opportunity for both Kishan and Bharat, considering they are given the chance to play.

Team India aim to go big with forthcoming assignments

Speaking of India’s upcoming games, the side is gearing up to take on Afghanistan in a three-game T20I series. Both India and Afghanistan will face off on January 11, 14, and 17, respectively. After the T20I series, India will be hosting England in a five-game Test series.

The side recently arrived from South Africa after competing against the Proteas in a multi-format series. After the Test series against South Africa, the Indian team sits in second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings with two wins in four matches.

However, hosting England in a five-game Test series could give the Rohit Sharma-led side a good chance of climbing the WTC rankings and staying in contention. It is worth noting that England sit in eighth place in the standings with nine points in five matches.