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Published 15:04 IST, September 13th 2023

'This is clear now': Gambhir discloses major World Cup decision is now done for Team India

Ahead of the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the team management needs to pay heed to many aspects, one however is sorted as per Gautam Gambhir.

Reported by: Prateek Arya
Gautam Gambhir pays heed to an important role in Team India (Image: hotstar) | Image: self

Ahead of the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Team India is on the lookout for a perfect combination and hence all the players in the provisional squad will be tested before the start of the biggest carnival of cricket. India's Team Management is currently jumbled over who could be the ideal two from the trio of Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. All three are in the World Cup squad, but only two will proceed to potentially become the backbone of the team in the forthcoming tournament. Moreover, there also lies the question of who will keep wickets at the mayhem between KL Rahul and Ishahn Kishan.

3 things you need to know

  • KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are in the mix for the Wicketkeeper's role
  • Rahul scored a century against Pakistan on Monday
  • India are through to the final of Asia Cup 2023

Also Read | 'Your Pep Talk Worked For Me': Kuldeep Yadav Credits Indian Superstar For Motivating Him

Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul: Prime contenders for Wicketkeeper's role

Though Shreyas Iyer has developed a back spasm and has remained out of the playing XI in the last two matches, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan on the other hand have made the most of the opportunities presented. While any two of the three could be picked, the query of who will stand behind the wickets stays large. KL Rahul, though has been entrusted with the role despite Kishan's presence in XI, clarity is yet to prevail, since no announcement has been made.

Also Read | Which team will join Team India in the Asia Cup final? Qualification scenario explained

Gautam Gambhir says team management has zeroed-in on Rahul

According to Gautam Gambhir, KL Rahul has locked up the wicketkeeper-batter position in the Indian ODI World Cup squad. The major event begins in India the next month. After a protracted injury layoff, Rahul made his return at the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against Pakistan. His stunning hundred against the Green Army was followed by a laborious 39 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday on a difficult surface. In both games, he replaced Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper, highlighting become the first choice keeper in the upcoming World Cup.

"I think the team management has made it very close that it's going to be KL Rahul who would be keeping in the World Cup because there was Ishan Kishan, Gambhir said on Star Sports. "If Kishan was in the scheme of things of playing on the 11th against Australia, then he would have kept wickets for India because he was the main wicket-keeper, but now in the last two games, KL Rahul has kept wickets," he added.
 

Updated 15:14 IST, September 13th 2023

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