KL Rahul, the veteran Indian batter, has been promoted to a new role as the vice-captain of the Indian red-ball side, replacing Rishabh Pant in the role. This seems like a punishment for Pant, who has lost form amid two recent IPL seasons.
India have finally announced their squad for the upcoming one-off Test series against Afghanistan while also announcing the squad for the three-match ODI series, which starts after the end of the IPL season.
Rishabh Pant's team, the Lucknow Super Giants, has failed to make it through to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. However, for Pant, the biggest concern has been his lack of form with the bat, as he has struggled for runs over the past two seasons.
KL Rahul named the new vice-captain of India's red-ball side.
The Ajit Agarkar-led Indian National Selection Committee has finally made a massive change to the Indian squad. They have appointed KL Rahul, the opening batter, as the new vice-captain of the Indian red-ball side.
However, Rishabh Pant, the former vice-captain, is still part of the Indian squad for the upcoming one-off Test series against Afghanistan. Not much has changed in that squad, but only the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey have been included to the side.
Ravindra Jadeja has been dropped from the squad, while the two new left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have been named in the Indian red-ball side.
India Test Squad: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, and Dhruv Jurel.
Rishabh Pant has also been dropped from the Indian ODI side.
Rishabh Pant, the veteran Indian batter, has once again been dropped from the Indian 50-over side. Despite being in the mix, he has not featured in the playing XI over the past two years, as KL Rahul emerged as India's first choice keeper.
Now finally Pant has been dropped from the Indian ODI side, as he has been replaced by an in-form wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan. Ishan has been in promising form in white-ball cricket, while Pant has been lacking form.
Ishan Kishan now features as the second player in the ODI team, while Prince Yadav is the new inclusion into the squad, while the two left-handed spinners Axar and Ravindra Jadeja have been snubbed as well. Mohammed Shami has also not been handed a spot in the squad.
Fans not pleased with KL Rahul's appointment as the Vice-captain of India
Very poor think tank, KL Rahul VC! 😳 pic.twitter.com/bvzdWMYWDI
— Lalan 🇮🇳 (@LalanPaikaray) May 19, 2026
A new chapter for Indian test cricket ❤️
— Alpha (@melbournmonster) May 19, 2026
Kl Rahul New Vice Captain of Team India pic.twitter.com/hjddmWMWkU
KL Rahul as a vice captain is a good choice. Leadership doesn't suits Rishabh. We need him as a batter.
— Roxhiee._.1877 (@Shubrat_pride18) May 19, 2026
Ye kya hai
— MANU. (@IMManu_18) May 19, 2026
Kl Rahul 35.5 average vice captain
Rishabh pantt
🚨 BIG BLUNDER BY BCCI 🚨
— Cricket Capital (@CricketCapital7) May 19, 2026
KL Rahul has been playing Test cricket for 12+ years and has around a 35 average, yet he has not only been selected but also given the vice captain role.
Many fans are questioning the decision and asking whether consistency should matter more in such… pic.twitter.com/meHle1axd0
KL Rahul deserves to lead Team India in Test format!! pic.twitter.com/YdagKP6keP
— N!!KPSG4(7) (@ElevateUrMind4) May 19, 2026
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