Dinesh Karthik And KL Rahul Likely To Be Dropped For Kiwis Tour - Reports

Well, the latest reports surfaced that selectors will be announcing the limited-overs squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour. There are some key exclusions are going to happen, as the selectors weren’t impressed with the performance of KL Rahul. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik is also walking on a block of thin ice.

Mumbai Mirror reports that Dhoni stands in fray for ODI selection for the upcoming series. He is also expected to be part of the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Dhoni was dropped from India’s T20I squad in the last six games – three against West Indies and three against Australia – with Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik filling in the gap.

MS Dhoni likely to return to T20I:

Further, Mumbai Mirror added that Pant too is certain for ODI and T20I selection, however, for Karthik, it stands on thin ice. And joining Karthik is KL Rahul following his poor Test form in the ongoing series against Australia. The rest of the squad are expected to find their name on the list.

Earlier, ahead of droping MS Dhoni, selectors quoted that they will be looking for the backup wicketkeeper of MS Dhoni for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 through T20I games. It seems like they are happy with Rishabh Pant, who got the backing of the management and the skipper. Meanwhile, it would be really harsh on Dinesh Karthik, who played brilliantly.

It would be interesting to see the replacement for KL Rahul in the side. Though we have got quite a few good names on the paper, there is no certain candidate, who can fill the calibre of KL Rahul in the side. However, KL Rahul has always been on the sidelines of playing XI, which wouldn’t be a great headache for selectors to replace.

All in all, it is expected that Indian National Team would be going with their strong squad to Kiwis tour. Most probably, it is going to be the same squad that would be on the World Cup squad list as well.

India will play three ODIs against Australia – January 12 (Sydney), 15 (Adelaide) and 18 (Melbourne). It will be followed by a five-match ODI contest against New Zealand – January 23, 26, 28, 31and February 3. And then a T20I series against the Blackcaps – on February 6, 8 and 10.