'KL Rahul is no longer India's wicketkeeper': Shocking news come out ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra made bold predictions for the upcoming two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh next month. Chopra predicted that KL Rahul will not be picked as India’s wicketkeeper-batter for the home Tests against Bangladesh.

The cricket expert has surprisingly predicted that the Indian selectors will go with the young Dhruv Jurel over KL Rahul as the wicketkeeping option for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai. And even he explained the reason behind his prediction.

Aakash Chopra predicts KL Rahul's exclusion as wicketkeeper for Bangladesh Tests

All five wicketkeeping options—Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jurel, KS Bharat, and Ishan Kishan—have been included in the squads for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024, starting on September 5. This first-class tournament will be crucial for the national selectors to finalize the 15-player India squad for the home series against Bangladesh next month.

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However, Aakash Chopra has noted that, unlike the other players, KL Rahul’s name does not have the 'WK' designation next to it in the Duleep Trophy 2024 squads, hinting that he will not be fulfilling wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

The cricket pundit has further suggested that Jurel is likely to take on the wicketkeeping role, while Rahul is expected to play solely as a batter in the Duleep Trophy. However, Chopra believes that Rahul should be part of India’s XI in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

KL Rahul cannot be a wicketkeeper: Chopra

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “KL Rahul cannot be a wicketkeeper. I mean you don't even have 'WK' written after his name in the squad list. And since you picked Dhruv Jurel in that same team, it means, he will be the keeper. So, Rahul is no longer your keeper for Test cricket.

And it is okay because he came at a time when Rishabh wasn't there, you will definitely put Rahul in the playing XI. He is also not the captain. He could have been in a different team as well. He or Pant could have been the captain instead of Abhimanyu Easwaran, but neither are captaincy candidates anymore.”

Rahul's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 spot in doubt

Meanwhile, some media reports claimed that Rahul might be excluded from India's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the reports are to be believed, it would represent a major shift in India’s cricket strategy, given Rahul’s recent performances and his key role in the team.

The speculation surrounding Rahul's potential exclusion is fueled by various factors, including concerns about his form and fitness and the rise of other players vying for the same position. He failed to impress in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, and then Pant’s comeback made things tough for both the selectors and the right-handed batter.

However, the Karnataka star would be certainly eager to make his case strong for the selection in the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024, followed by the Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home. It will also be interesting to see whether Rahul gets a chance for the Australia tour.