Having begun India’s ODI series against Australia as a makeshift wicketkeeper, KL Rahul might have just made the big gloves his for the time being by the end of it, at the expense of Rishabh Pant.
Going into the away series against New Zealand on a winning note, captain Virat Kohli is loath to tinker with a successful combination, much of which is down to Rahul’s flexibility with bat and behind the stumps.
Rahul stepped in behind the stumps during the first ODI in Mumbai, after Pant suffered from concussion in India’s batting innings. Having performed credibly, he was asked to continue in the role for the second ODI while Pant recovered, and he did better in Rajkot, pulling off an excellent stumping of Aaron Finch. It was enough for him to retain the spot even when Pant was fit for the third ODI in Bengaluru. With India sealing a 2-1 series win, captain Kohli is inclined to let him remain as wicketkeeper for now.
