Reason behind the axing of KL Rahul revealed

The selectors announced the Indian squad on Saturday for upcoming ODI series against New Zealand which will commence on October 22. The surprising name missing from the squad was KL Rahul who is more or less a regular feature in the team from last few months. Dinesh Karthik who impressed in the limited opportunities in West Indies was drafted back into the side. Also, Shardul Thakur who was dropped after Sri Lanka series has also made his way back as Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav made way for him.

Karthik last played international cricket for India during the 5-match ODI series against West Indies. He was also the part of the team which travelled England for Champions Trophy but warmed the bench. Shardul Thakur also impressed in his debut game in Sri Lanka but wasn’t picked for the Australia series. Though, he was in the plans as the selectors picked him in the ‘A’ team which is playing the One-Day series against New Zealand A.

Rahane has done well as opener

The BCCI official cleared that KL Rahul wasn’t dropped for a particular reason and will play the warm-up games against the visiting side. “Karthik’s inclusion is a reward for the runs he has been scoring.There is no particular reason [behind Rahul’s omission] because Ajinkya [Rahane] has done well as an opener. He (Rahul) will play Board President’s XI or the Ranji Trophy. What’s the point in him just being in the squad and not playing? We will see how it goes [as far as his batting position is concerned]. Because, as of now, this is the best combination,” the official told ESPNCricinfo.

He also stressed the fact that the team management is trying to rotate the players and the inclusion of Karthik is the part of the process to find an ideal no. 4 for the team. “We are trying to rotate everybody. We are open to different combinations and options. DK instead of Rahul in the middle order is also a part of the process,” he added. The wicketkeeper-batsman now has a golden chance to cement his place in the side by scoring the truck load of runs in the series.

KL Rahul now needs to wait for his chance again as he endured an extremely poor outing Sri Lanka and was dismissed by the same bowler in the 3 matches he played.