3 REASONS WHY KL RAHUL SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PICKED FOR THE ENGLAND TOUR

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India don't have a spot in the playing XI for KL Rahul

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To state the obvious, the Indian Test playing XI doesn't depend on the stylish batsman KL Rahul, even as a backup option. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are India’s obvious first-choice openers, while Mayank Agarwal is waiting in the wings as the reserve opener.

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In the middle order, too, spots are few and far between. Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane make up the backbone of the batting order, followed by young wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Rahul hasn't played a Test since 2019 and doesn't have a fifty in his last 12 innings.

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KL Rahul needs white-ball practice ahead of the T20 World Cup

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While KL Rahul isn't in the scheme of things in the Test format, he remains an indispensable part of the white-ball setup. Opening the batting alongside Rohit Sharma and slotting in in the middle order whenever necessary, the Karnataka-born batsman has been a man for all seasons.

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Ahead of the T20 World Cup, in which he is expected to play a starring role, Rahul could've used some white-ball match practice in Sri Lanka. The second half of the IPL 2021 will offer Rahul some game time ahead of T20 World Cup, but the tour of Sri Lanka could've helped him even more.

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KL Rahul could have captained India in Sri Lanka

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KL Rahul was named the vice-captain of India’s white ball sides in the absence of injured Rohit Sharma, when they toured Australia last winter. After captaining the Punjab Kings in the IPL, Rahul was rewarded for his exploits and clearly earmarked as a potential successor to Virat Kohli.

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In Rahul’s absence, India have handed the reins of the side to Dhawan for the Sri Lanka tour. While Dhawan could prove to be a capable captain, Rahul could've had his first taste of leadership at an international level - a great experience that could prove invaluable in the future.

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