The first Test match of the series between India and Australia is just a few hours away from commencement. With so much focus on the pitch at the VCA Stadium, it’s unclear who will make up India’s starting XI. KL Rahul addressed the issue during Team India’s first official press conference of the series on Tuesday, admitting that the management is having difficulty determining the best 11 players.
The biggest question has been that of Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. India has two options in vice-captain KL Rahul and in-form batter Shubman Gill. The other important question is about Suryakumar Yadav’s chances of making it to the Playing XI.
In the midst of all of this, former India captain Kapil Dev has made an interesting point about vice-captain Rahul. The India batter has received full support from the team management but has yet to live up to it. To add to the intrigue, it is likely that Rahul will once again open with Rohit, leaving no room for Shubman Gill.
Gill could be moved to the middle order or dropped to make room for Suryakumar. Rahul has only played four Tests since the start of 2022, with only one half-century, prompting Kapil to question his place in the team.
The team comes first: Kapil Dev
Kapil, India’s first World Cup winner, believes that, while he likes Rahul the batter, the management should not force him into the XI if he doesn’t deserve it or if it disrupts the team’s combination.
“Why can’t he be dropped? There should be no such rule. You need to look at team combination, who do we need. There is no necessity. In Indian cricket, I don’t think there is ever a vice-captain. Back in the day, we had a new VC in every Test match. He is a very matured player; I even like him,” Kapil said on Uncut.
“I consider him to be a fine batter but if he doesn’t fit in the team, then let it be. The team comes first and I guess for that the captain and the management needs to take a call. Some players are lucky. Rahul Dravid too played many such matches where he was made to keep wicket.”
