The Indian cricket board, BCCI has announced the squad for the remaining Test matches and three-match ODI series against Australia. The ODI squad will see the return of key players like Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel and KL Rahul. However, the Test team has remained unchanged, barring one key change. KL Rahul has been dropped as the vice-captain of the team due to his poor form in the longest format of the game.
Who will get a chance in the playing 11 for the third Test match in Indore? Like for Shubman Gill or Retweet for KL Rahul. #INDvAUS #bgt #KL Rahul #shubhmangil #TeamIndia #bgt2023 pic.twitter.com/PkDBRmKIhk— Tarun Singh Verma __ (@TarunSinghVerm1) February 19, 2023
Rahul has been struggling with his form and during the ongoing Test series he has managed just 198 runs in the last 12 innings and a total of 38 runs in three innings. While some may argue that the pitches in Nagpur and Delhi were challenging for the batsmen, Rahul looked completely out of form. As reported by The Indian Express, the management has decided to relieve Rahul from the leadership role and relieve him of his duties as Rohit Sharma’s deputy.
Instead, the selectors and management have entrusted Rohit with the responsibility of choosing his deputy. With Shubman Gill, a young and in-form opener, waiting on the bench, the pressure is building on Rahul as a batsman. Now with the removal of the vice-captain tag, the team management can make changes in the Indore match.
BCCI’s decision to remove Rahul from the role of vice-captain is a clear indication that the team management is not happy with his performance. The move has also put the onus on Rohit Sharma to lead the team effectively and pick a reliable deputy. With an ODI squad strengthened by the return of several key players, India would be hoping for a strong show against Australia in the upcoming matches.
“It was decided not to name any vice-captain. Instead, the power was given to Rohit Sharma. A source told the publication that who will lead the team in case Rohit Sharma leaves the field.
Despite the fact that Rahul is badly out of touch, the hundreds he scored at Lord’s and Centurion in 2021 are still regarded as two of the best performances by an Indian opener outside India in recent times , and as a result, both captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid have backed him.
“I think he needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He has scored hundreds in South Africa and England, we will continue to back him I believe he has the quality and class to come out of it,” Dravid said while talking to the broadcaster about Rahul’s form.
Will India get a new vice-captain for the Test matches starting March 1? Could it be R Ashwin or Cheteshwar Pujara? Only the team sheet made after the toss will reveal this.