Fit again Manish Pandey, KL Rahul raring to go

Young batsmen Manish Pandey and KL Rahul were unlucky to not take part in the ICC Champions Trophy due to their respective injuries. While Pandey suffered a side strain during the IPL 2017 whereas Rahul battled through a shoulder injury in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy making 6 fifties in 7 innings but had to undergo surgery later which ruled him out of action for 3 months.

Both batsmen, who play for Karnataka, have recovered from their injuries and will be raring to go. The middle order of India in ODIs will surely be bolstered by the presence of both these dynamic players. Pandey showed great mental strength to close out a tough chase against Australia in Sydney by scoring an 81-ball 104* early last year. He was injured at the wrong time which deprived him of more game time at the international level.

On the other hand, Rahul’s injury has given Shikhar Dhawan another chance in ODIs which the star batsman grabbed with both hands. With the form Dhawan is in at the moment, Rahul might have to bide time in the middle order. The duo is expected to be picked in India’s tour of Sri Lanka starting next month. They will offer stern competition to the likes of Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni, both of whose skills are on the wane.

Rahul and Pandey are deemed fit by the officials from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Pandey was also picked to play the South Africa series next month for the India ‘A’ side, which he will also captain. All eyes will be on Pandey in the tri-series as selectors will be keen to see how he fares after the injury.

Rahul and Pandey are looked at for the 2019 World Cup in England. Both have the right technique to counter England conditions and are quick fielders which is an add-on.