KL Rahul set to leave Wicket-Keeping Duties for IND vs ENG Tests, Ishan Kishan likely to make a comeback.

KL Rahul’s brief tenure as the wicketkeeper for the Indian cricket team in Test cricket appears to be coming to an end during the upcoming five-match Test series against England at home. This decision follows Rahul’s initiation into wicketkeeping duties during the two-match Test series against South Africa, marking his first venture into red-ball cricket at the international level.

Having shouldered a hefty workload in recent months, including serving as India’s wicketkeeper in the demanding ODI World Cup campaign and the subsequent Test series against South Africa, the accomplished Indian batsman is slated to step back from the wicketkeeping role in the upcoming series against England.

Following the temporary arrangement with Rahul behind the stumps for the South Africa tour, the team led by Rohit Sharma is reverting to having a specialist wicketkeeper for the home series. India is scheduled to compete against England in five Test matches, marking their initial home assignment in the 2023–25 World Test Championship (WTC), with matches scheduled in Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharmshala.

As per a report by Cricbuzz, the team management aims to alleviate KL Rahul of the additional responsibility, particularly on challenging Indian tracks, envisioning him playing as a specialist batter. This strategic shift is also intended to safeguard Rahul from undue strain, especially considering his recent struggles with injuries.

The report further suggests that with Rahul’s uncertainty as the designated wicketkeeper against England, Ishan Kishan is poised to make a comeback to international cricket. Kishan, absent from the Afghanistan series, is on a break, as confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid, who cited his unavailability for selection. Kishan had withdrawn from the two-match Test series against South Africa.

It is mentioned in the report that Kishan is anticipated to stage his comeback in the Ranji Trophy, featuring in Jharkhand’s clash against Services in Delhi on January 19. KS Bharat, slated to lead India-A against the England Lions, is also considered a contender for reclaiming his position in the side.

In the midst of T20I sidelining against Afghanistan and Shreyas Iyer’s participation in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy clash against Andhra Pradesh, Rahul will not be partaking in India’s premier first-class competition, as he has been advised to rest.