WI vs IND: 3 Players who can replace KL Rahul in India's T20I squad

KL Rahul’s recovery from his injury was followed by his inclusion in India’s T20I squad that is set to face the West Indies after the conclusion of the ODI series. But the Indian team faced a setback when the batting hero contracted the COVID-19 virus and missed out on the journey. He was supposed to join the team for the final two T20Is, but as per the latest developments, the BCCI advised him to take more rest and not travel.

Ever since the conclusion of the IPL 2022, Rahul has missed out on international tours. Post the cash-rich league, he was supposed to lead the Indian side in the five-match T20I series against South Africa at home. But Rahul was ruled out of the games and left for Germany to undergo a sports hernia surgery in June.

Eventually, he missed the India tour of England that consisted of the rescheduled Test match, followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs. The senior members of the Indian contingent, who had been rested for the ODI leg of the Caribbean tour have reached the destination and will begin their T20I campaign on July 29. There are chances of the Indian management roping in a player from the ODI squad in place of KL Rahul.

Thus, let us have a look at 3 Players who can replace KL Rahul in India’s T20I squad-

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad

The young opening batter might be India’s first choice for the upcoming series. Gaikwad has been a contender in India’s top order for a long time now, and with KL Rahul missing out, there are chances of the Indian management roping in the CSK opener.

Gaikwad is also a name in the ODI squad that is currently facing the Men in Maroon. Though he has not got a chance to make it to the playing combination so far, he might get a chance for the final game as India has already clinched the ODI series by winning the first two games.

Gaikwad’s game at the IPL for CSK has been tremendous, and he was also the highest run scorer in the 2021 edition of the tournament. His recent outing in the international arena was against South Africa, where he featured in all five games in the opening spot, and played a couple of worthy knocks alongside Ishan Kishan to give India a big start.

2. Sanju Samson

The wicketkeeper-batter is currently a part of the Indian ODI squad, and Samson also kept the gloves in the first two ODIs that India won. Though he could not fire with the bat in the series opener, his knock in the second game, and his partnership with Shreyas Iyer, proved worthy of the team’s win.

The wicketkeeping role will be taken up by Rishabh Pant, who makes his way back for the T20Is after a brief break, but Samson has been in fine touch recently. Last month, he was a part of India’s T20I squad that faced Ireland for two games. He didn’t feature in the first game but made it to the next. Samson’s 42-ball 77 guided India to a terrific start after opener Kishan fell early in the game.

His partnership with Deepak Hooda for the second wicket was lauded by one and all as the duo shared 176 runs between themselves. He was one of the reasons behind India’s win in both the Ireland game, as well as the second ODI against West Indies. Thus, he is a capable contender for a spot in the upcoming T20Is.

3. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is an additional front-runner for a spot in the top order. Gill has often featured in Test matches, as compared to white-ball cricket. Having played only five ODIs so far, including the first two games of the ongoing ODI series, Gill, notably, is yet to receive his T20I debut cap.

Gill hadn’t played in a 50-over contest in the last 18 months, before being called for the ODI stint against West Indies. The youngster showed great composure in the first two games and registered scores of 64(53) and 43(49). Thus, Gill has been in great form in the white-ball format and he can capitalize on the momentum in the upcoming T20Is too if given the opportunity.

Though he hasn’t played a T20 international match, his run at the IPL has been very satisfying. One of the most consistent players at the cash-rich event, Gill managed to amass 400+ runs in three seasons back-to-back, and also played a crucial role in Gujarat Titans’ championship-winning stint this year.