Why KL Rahul is Not Keeping Wickets in IND vs AFG 1st ODI?

The first ODI between India and Afghanistan started late on June 13 due to relentless rain in Dharamsala. However, the match started just in time to give the spectators present at the HPCA Stadium, the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world, a sigh of relief.

India's captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to field first in overcast conditions. However, the Indian team management made a surprising decision by giving the wicketkeeping duties for this match to Ishan Kishan instead of KL Rahul.

Why KL Rahul is Not Wicket Keeping Today?

The decision not to have KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper is a part of India's plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Before this series, the bowling coach Morne Morkel had already indicated that the team will try out a new combinations.

This includes having Rahul purely as a batter. Since Ishan Kishan is also playing the IND vs AFG 1st ODI, he will be keeping wickets. Kishan is more accomplished as a keeper and this move will also allow Rahul to bat freely at the top.

KL Rahul has been quite successful as the wicketkeeper for India in the ODI format. Despite not being a natural keeper, he took the gloves when India were looking for a suitable option to replace Rishabh Pant.

Rahul took the opportunity with both hands and succeeded. His wicketkeeping gradually improved and he was seen as a safe option in this format. With the ODI World Cup 2027 coming up, he will be an important player for Team India, both as a batter and as a keeper.

What Will Be KL Rahul Batting Position in 1st ODI?

While Rahul is not keeping wickets in this match, his new batting position is also in the headlines. He is all set to bat at No. 3 in this match instead of the usual No. 5 spot. In the ODI format, Rahul has batted at No. 5 or No. 6 over the last few years and has found a lot of success. He has been one of the best ODI batsmen in the last five years, which makes him so crucial to the Indian team.

But the Indian team management is keen to try new combinations at No. 3 in the absence of Virat Kohli, who is not playing this series due to a hamstring injury. This gives Rahul to have a go at the important No. 3 position.