KL Rahul to Replace Shikhar Dhawan in the IND v ENG 1st Test 2018?

Despite his good form, KL Rahul has been in and out of the Indian cricket team. The right-hander looked in good touch once again in India’s practice match against Essex. Rahul, coming in at six, scored 58 in the first innings of the three-day warm-up match. Rahul was then promoted as an opener and he didn’t disappoint as he finished unbeaten on 36. Contrasting to Rahul’s performance in the practice match, Shikhar Dhawan struggled to get going and now faces a threat of being dropped for the first Test between India and England.

Dhawan in the first innings was removed for a first-ball duck. The left-handed opening batsman got a pair when in second innings he failed to get off the mark and lasted only three balls. Dhawan’s poor show has now opened gates for Rahul’s inclusion in the playing XI. There have been voices of him even replacing Cheteshwar Pujara, but that seems highly unlikely. As per BCCI’s New Rule Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma and Other WAGs Can Stay With Players for 14 Days During a Tour: Report

In three-match ODI series, Dhawan despite getting the starts failed to convert them into the big total. With Rahul accepting opportunities with both the hands thrown at him, things do not look good for Dhawan. Murali Vijay has cemented his place in the side and in the warm-up match he scored 53 in the lone opportunity he got.

With a couple of days remaining ahead of the first Test, team India’s think tank will have to make a tough decision. Dhawan could be handed another opportunity, but ignoring Rahul, given the form he is in, could well work against team India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2018 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).