With spinner-friendly pitches expected for the upcoming India vs. England Test series, the BCCI has made a decisive move in which KL Rahul will step down from wicket-keeping duties, paving the way for specialist KS Bharat to take over behind the stumps. This comes after Ishan Kishan was not called for the first two Tests, and now it will be interesting who KS Bharat will replace in the India playing XI.
This strategic shift reflects the team’s focus on maximizing their advantage on home soil. The turning wickets call for experienced glovework, and KS Bharat, with his proven skills and understanding of these conditions, emerges as the ideal choice.
While KL Rahul proved adept at keeping during the South Africa tour, where pitches offered more bounce, the Indian think tank wants him to fully concentrate on his batting in the upcoming series. His exceptional stroke-making talent is a crucial asset, and relieving him of wicket-keeping duties allows him to fully flourish with the bat.