How quickly things change!
After an enthralling encounter between India A and England Lions, KS Bharat’s century has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing wicketkeeping conundrum, pitting him against KL Rahul for the much-important slot in the upcoming five-Test series against England.
Bharat’s match-saving 116 not out off 165 balls, in the unofficial four-day ‘Test’ with first-class status, showcased his resilience. This knock, coming after a lacklustre 15 in the first innings, has not only rejuvenated Bharat’s prospects but also ignited a compelling competition for the wicketkeeper’s position.
The BCCI team management is likely to go ahead with a strategic decision to use Rahul as a specialist batter and that places Bharat at the forefront of contention with the big gloves. As questions loom over Rahul’s experience in keeping wickets on turning pitches in first-class cricket, this century is likely to help Bharat get the nod at least in the start of the series.
A seasoned campaigner for Andhra in domestic cricket, Bharat had been a part of the national squad as Rishabh Pant’s deputy. His proficiency in keeping and scoring runs at the top of the order in Ranji Trophy had drawn attention some time back. He has a triple century in first-class cricket. Last year, in the World Test Championship final, his work as a keeper earned him recognition.
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However, scrutiny over his first-class batting average —37.10 from 94 games — remains. He did not really highlight his cause with the bat in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy, making 129 runs in six innings over four Tests at 18.42.
Rahul, on the other hand, has been riding a wave of batting excellence, amassing a memorable hundred in the Test series in South Africa. His remarkable form demands his inclusion in the XI. However, his limited experience as a wicketkeeper in challenging conditions poses a potential vulnerability, especially on turning tracks expected during the England series.
This competition for the wicketkeeper’s role is reminiscent of a similar scenario a year ago. It was during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The selectors had to choose between Bharat and Ishan Kishan in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Bharat got the nod, and a year later, history seems to be repeating itself in a three-way contest, without Kishan in the equation, but with a young Dhruv Jurel in the mix.
As the team faces the dilemma of balancing resources for optimal performance, Bharat’s century speaks volumes of his tenacity and skills under pressure. The battle for the wicketkeeping slot against Rahul’s prolific batting form adds an intriguing subplot to the narrative of India’s preparation for the Test series against England. The management’s judgement will be a crucial factor in shaping the composition and strategy for the upcoming matches.
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