India Squad for World Cup 2023: KL Rahul or Ishan Kishan - Who will be first choice wicketkeeper-batter?

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India squad for World Cup 2023 has been announced and KL Rahul has made it into the 15-member squad alongside Ishan Kishan. Sanju Samson, the travelling reserve in Asia Cup 2023, has been dropped.

KL Rahul did not travel to Sri Lanka for the first two matches despite being named in India's Asia Cup squad 2023 due to a niggle issue. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Tuesday revealed that the Karnataka batter batted and kept wickets for 50 overs in a couple of match at the NCA before being adjudged fully fit.

Agarkar also added that KL Rahul's availability gives a great balance to the Indian team. He also said that KL Rahul was in top form during the six-day preparatory camp at the NCA ahead of the Asia Cup 2023.

“KL (Rahul) is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. KL was part of the camp in Bangalore, and he looked really good there and has got over his niggle," Agarkar said at the press conference after India's squad announcement.

“He played a couple of games over the last two days (at NCA). He kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so we’re happy to have him,” he added.

India Squad for World Cup 2023: Rahul or Kishan - Who gets a chance in the eleven?

KL Rahul would have been the straight answer to the question before September 2 when India faced Pakistan. However, Kishan's 82 off 81 after India were left reeling at 66/4 by Pakistan pacers, has changed the entire dynamics. The 25-year-old has buried the Ishan Kishan vs Sanju Samson' debate and made it "Ishan Kishan vs KL Rahul" now.

The former was regarding the name of two in the squad. The latter is for a place in the playing eleven now. Someone like Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Ishan Kishan has relegated KL Rahul to second choice wicketkeeper-batter.

The remaining matches of the Asia Cup 2023 will clear out the suspense. Kl Rahul will be available for the September 10 match against Pakistan. Ishan Kishan did not get to bat as India beat Nepal by 10 wickets on Monday and therefore dropping him from the eleven will be unfair and is highly unlikely.

KL Rahul could get a chance once India are certain of a place in the eleven. The 31-year-old cannot have a series of low-scoring outings now. Ishan Kishan has taken the privilege away from him. His fitness would also be a concern throughout the next two months.

Ishan Kishan is the more in-form and fitter candidate. He has also proven himself in a high-pressure game. However, it will still take just one good innings from KL Rahul to pip the Mumbai Indians star.

The Indian cricket team has historically relied on the stature and experience of a player. KL Rahul is ahead of Ishan Kishan in both categories.

Ajit Agarkar said it was a good headache for India but marked that he plays well at the top before praising KL Rahul's ODI records.

“It’s a good headache to have. Kishan played well recently, and he plays well at the top. KL’s record in ODIs is brilliant. We have two good (wicketkeeper-batter) options. We can pick and choose between the two who will fight for a spot in the team,” said Agarkar.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has impressed Rohit Sharma who made it clear that form and fitness would decide who grabs the wicketkeeper-batter's berth. Ishan Kishan, his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate is ahead of Rahul in both the departments as of now.

“Kishan, how he played in the first game (in the Asia Cup), was brilliant. Given the situation, he did very well. So, it depends on fitness and situation,” said Rohit.

Verdict: KL Rahul despite all the odds against him is expected to be again backed by the management and inducted in the eleven ahead of Ishan Kishan because of his big stature. However, he could fall out of favour if he fails in back-to-back matches. Ishan Kishan has made a strong case for himself and would be considered against teams who have left-hand heavy bowling attacks.