'Shubman Gill will be picked for the next match over KL Rahul' - Harbhajan Singh on India opener's vice-captaincy snub

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has expressed his thoughts on India cricketer KL Rahul after the latter's struggles with the bat continued in the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 against Australia.

KL Rahul has been in talks, primarily because of his poor run with the bat, but what is more striking is that his name has been removed from the vice-captain's post, giving major indications that he might be looked beyond by selectors.

Harbhajan stated that it was about time youngster Shubman Gill got a chance he well deserved within the team, and he was in good shape to score those crucial runs in the opener's slot, thus giving India the quality start they need in their batting currently.

“Yes because he is no longer the vice-captain now. The team was announced and I feel the reason why he hasn't been named the vice-captain is because Shubman Gill will be picked for the next match over KL Rahul. Gill has been in terrific form of late, in ODIs and T20Is. He became the super hero and I feel he will definitely get the chance. Also for Rahul, his dismissal today clearly shows that he is going through a rough time. He has a lot of quality and his a big player but his numbers could have been a lot better,” the 42-year-old said while speaking to India Today.

KL Rahul is a quality player, there’s no doubt about it: Harbhajan

As for KL Rahul, Harbhajan suggested that the 30-year-old should take time off from international cricket and go back to playing domestic cricket so as to brush up his batting skills. He also backed KL stating that he has the potential in him as he is one of the top batters around the world and he should give himself some time.

“I consider him as one of the top batters in world cricket, let alone the Indian team. I think it will be good for KL Rahul to take some time off and play some domestic cricket, try and score runs and get his confidence back up. Then bring him back, he is a quality player, there’s no doubt about it.”

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