India can bolster batting if Rahul keeps wickets in WTC final: Shastri

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed KL Rahul to seal his place as a wicketkeeper-batter for the World Test Championship closing at The Oval in June, saying his presence will strengthen the crew’s batting lineup.

Rahul has report in England however he was dropped from the enjoying XI after the primary two Tests towards Australia at residence on account of poor type.

The 30-year-old from Karnataka, nevertheless, made a formidable return, slamming a match-winning 75 not out in the primary ODI towards Australia in Mumbai on Friday evening.

Shastri feels Rahul can play as a wicket-keeper in the WTC closing, particularly after KS Bharat could not produce the products in the absence of an indisposed Rishabh Pant.

“He (KL) has really done well to keep the selectors interested ahead of the WTC final,” Shastri advised Star Sports.

“Two issues, one for the ODI sequence when Rohit Sharma returns and the opposite for the WTC closing… India can bolster their batting if Rahul can hold wickets.

“Rahul can bat in the middle-order — No. 5 or 6. In England, you have to generally keep wickets from far behind. You don’t have to keep up to the spinners a lot. He (KL) has two more ODIs to go before the IPL. He can cement his place in that Indian team.”

Rahul has amassed 614 runs at 34.11 with two centuries — one at The Oval –, and one fifty in 9 Tests in English circumstances.

India certified for the WTC closing to be held in June at The Oval towards Australia. It will likely be India’s second look in the ultimate. They had misplaced to New Zealand in the 2021 closing.