Cricket News: K L Rahul to return as Skipper for Zimbabwe series
India has named KL Rahul as the captain for the ODI series against Zimbabwe after the BCCI medical team gave him a nod to play in the series commencing on 18th August
KL Rahul to return as Skipper for Zimbabwe seriesKL Rahul has been out of action for a while, suffering a sports hernia followed by Covid-19, extending his stints on the sidelines. The spate of injuries over the last two months post IPL 2022 forced him to be ruled out of India's tour to England, Ireland, and West Indies and also miss the home series against South Africa.
In his absence, Shikhar Dhawan was announced as the captain for this tour. However, with KL Rahul receiving the nod, Shikhar Dhawan will take up vice-captain duties, and KL Rahul will lead the side.
In the previous month, Shikhar Dhawan led the Indian side to a dominating 3-0 win over West Indies and subsequently was named skipper in the absence of all the leading players.
The series will see the comeback of plenty of players like Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and debutant Rahul Tripathi. Washington Sundar, though included in the squad, is unlikely to be available after suffering a shoulder injury while playing for the Royals London Cup.
Top and middle order muddle for coach Rahul Dravid
With KL Rahul's return, the top four players' choice has intensified further. The squad announced featured openers like Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan. The list includes Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson, and Rahul Tripathi contending to play XI.
Including KL Rahul and the availability of such quality players in the squad hands over an arduous task to coach Rahul Dravid.
It will be interesting to see if Shikhar Dhawan continues to open with Shubman Gill from the West Indies ODI and KL Rahul tempting to bat in the middle, adding strength to the middle-order with his experience
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