‘WILL PERSIST WITH KL RAHUL AS KEEPER’

HE ADDS BALANCE TO TEAM’S BATTING AS STUMPER, SAYS KOHLI

extra batsman, which strengthens our batting massively,” he said. “If you look at the 2003 World Cup where Rahul bhai kept, the balance became different because you could play an extra batter and guys at the top could really play positive cricket.

“Rahul is very open to playing anywhere because he is a proper batsman and does good in any format and any position. He won’t go slam-bang from ball one but can do what he did in Rajkot (52-ball 80 at No. 5, three catches) just playing good cricketing shots. A solid game plan and understanding of his game is helping. He has reflected on what he needs to do in the last five-six months and he has come a long way.” Rahul was also sharp with DRS calls in the series, an area India need to improve.

Pant played as keeper-batsman in the first ODI in Mumbai but suffered concussion after a blow to his helmet while batting. Rahul kept wicket, and after doing a tidy job, he continued in the slot.

Pant is fit, but it looks like he may have to wait until Rahul flops with the gloves. The Delhi player must be regretting his not cashing in on the chances he got. Age is on his side and there is no doubting his potential. He will remain in the plans for all three formats.

He has some way to go to be termed a finished product and this break will allow him to work on his game and temperament without undue scrutiny.

The selectors though are convinced Dhoni’s utility is over. His slim chances depend on his having an outstanding IPL and the first choice options flopping. Samson has put pressure on the selectors with performances for Rajasthan Royals, but Pant is ahead, having done equally well for Delhi Capitals and having smashed two spectacular centuries in Tests.

This is the age of multidimensional cricketers. The attraction of IPL contracts has led to intense competition and there many examples of specialist batsmen or bowlers struggling to break into teams. In this team, probably only Virat Kohli, Rohit

Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Shikhar Dhawan can make it purely on their main skill.

The rest feel the need to contribute with bat and ball to hold their spots.

Struggling for a regular place, Rahul had envisaged such a scenario. Realising it earlier than others, he had started keeping wicket for his IPL team and the Karnataka T20 side. The move paid off, providing India a back-up option when an opportunity arose in the series. He kept wicket in all three games.

This has clearly been Rahul’s series. His versatility shone through. He batted at No. 3, No. 5 and at the top and kept with confidence.