(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former India cricketer Gautam has backtracked from KL Rahul’s criticism that earlier had him saying that the wicket-keeper should not be included straightaway into the XI at the expense of Ishan Kishan.
Gambhir has now opined that Rahul has earned his place back in the team due to his good performance in the ongoing Asia Cup to the extent that he has secured the number four spot, where he batted in the match versus Pakistan and scored a hundred.
The 31-year-old scored magnificent 111 runs in his comeback match. That century was followed by a useful 39-run innings against Bangladesh, however, he came to bat at number five in that fixture.
“The number five position is now open. Whether Shreyas Iyer comes into
it, whether they play Suryakumar at seven and Hardik at five or Jadeja
at five, now KL Rahul has secured that number four spot as a
wicketkeeper-batsman. So, it is pretty much clear, which is good for
Indian cricket that they have backed KL Rahul as a wicketkeeper now and
who’s batting at number four. Before the game against Pakistan, he was
not supposed to play that game, but came as a replacement and got that
big hundred,” Gambhir was quoted as saying on Star Sports.
Further praising Rahul’s wicket-keeping, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that he will be India’s gloveman in the ODI World Cup 2023.
“He played good cricket and kept the wicket well against Jadeja and
Kuldeep on a wicket that does grip. It is pretty much clear that KL
Rahul is your wicketkeeper-batter going into the World Cup.”
Notably, a few days ago, Gambhir had said that Rahul should not be given a place in the playing XI just due to the reputation he holds.