NEW DELHI: Ishan Kishan has been the preferred wicketkeeper for India in limited-overs matches this year. However, it's evident that he can't take his position for granted, especially with KL Rahul hitting exceptional form after his return from injury during the Asia Cup.
Kishan appeared to be the primary choice for wicketkeeping duties, not only due to his impressive record of four fifties in his last five one-day innings but also for the left-handed batting dimension he adds to a lineup dominated by right-handers.
Rahul's first two innings since recovering from a thigh injury have solidified his position in the reckoning, creating a delightful selection conundrum, as anticipated by chief selector Ajit Agarkar when both players were included in the World Cup squad.
Rahul had just five minutes to prepare for the high-stakes Asia Cup match against Pakistan, following Shreyas Iyer's last-minute withdrawal due to a back spasm. However, in his comeback match, he smashed an unbeaten 111 and orchestrated an outstanding partnership with fellow centurion Virat Kohli, setting the stage for India's comprehensive victory against their arch-rivals.
The elegant right-hander also played a pivotal role in another significant partnership, this time with Kishan, during the low-scoring encounter against hosts Sri Lanka on Tuesday, which India won by 41 runs. Additionally, Rahul took up wicketkeeping duties for a significant portion of both the Pakistan and Sri Lankan innings, showcasing his versatility in the team.
1/10:Prolific scorers: Fastest batters to 13000 ODI runs
2/10:Virat Kohli (India): 267 innings
<p>The modern-day great, Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 13,000 ODI runs. He went past this milestone in just 267 innings. He achieved this feat against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.<br /></p>PTI
3/10:Virat Kohli (India): 267 innings
<p>In the process Virat broke the previous record, held by Sachin Tendulkar. <br /></p>ANI
4/10:Sachin Tendulkar (India): 321 innings
<p>The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar held the record for the fastest 13,000 ODI runs until the former Indian captain Virat Kohli surpassed him.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Sachin Tendulkar (India): 321 innings
<p>He achieved this milestone in 321 innings. Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket.<br /><br /><br /></p>
6/10:Ricky Ponting (Australia): 341 innings
<p>The former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting reached 13,000 ODI runs in 341 innings. <br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:Ricky Ponting (Australia): 341 innings
<p>He was known for his aggressive batting style and leadership on the field. Under his leadership, Australia went on to become a formidable side in world cricket.<br /></p>Getty Images
8/10:Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 363 innings
<p>Kumar Sangakkara, the elegant left-handed batter and former Sri Lankan captain reached 13,000 ODI runs in 363 innings. <br /><br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 363 innings
<p>He was known for his stylish stroke play and consistency with the bat. <br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 416 innings
<p>The former Sri Lankan great, Sanath Jayasuriya was known for his explosive batting at the top of the order. <br /></p>"I have been keeping wicket for a long time, more than two years now actually," Rahul told reporters, adding that he was comfortable with the dual role.
"So it's not new for me, and the team management has told me that this would be my role in the squad - to play in the middle order and keep wicket."
Primarily a versatile batter comfortable in any position in the top and middle order, Rahul said he had honed his keeping skills during his rehabilitation from injury.
1/10:Chinaman magic: Kuldeep Yadav's best ODI outings
2/10:6/25 vs England (2018)
<p>Kuldeep Yadav's six-wicket haul against England was one of his most remarkable performances in ODIs. <br /><br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:6/25 vs England (2018)
<p>He bamboozled the English batters with his wrist spin, picking up six wickets for just 25 runs in his 10 overs. India won the match convincingly. These are still Kuldeep's career best figures. <br /></p>Getty Images
4/10:5/25 vs Pakistan (2023)
<p>Kuldeep had a brilliant outing against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The Chinaman bowler ripped through the strong Pakistani batting order with his flippers and sharp spin.<br /></p>IANS
5/10:5/25 vs Pakistan (2023)
<p>He registered his first-ever fifer against Pak and finished with 5/25, helping India win the game by a huge margin of 228 runs.<br /></p>IANS
6/10:4/39 vs New Zealand (2019)
<p>In the first ODI in 2019, Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets for 39 runs in his 10-overs against New Zealand.<br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:4/39 vs New Zealand (2019)
<p>His accurate and deceptive spin bowling was instrumental in India's victory in this game in a challenging away series.<br /></p>Getty Images
8/10:4/23 vs South Africa (2018)
<p>In this match against the Proteas in 2018, Kuldeep Yadav played a crucial role in India's victory by taking four wickets for just 23 runs in 9 overs. <br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:4/23 vs South Africa (2018)
<p>His excellent bowling performance helped India restrict South Africa to a modest 179, and India eventually won the match comfortably.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:4/6 vs West Indies (2023)
<p>In a match against the West Indies earlier this year, Kuldeep Yadav delivered a brilliant performance which culminated in incredible figures of 4/6.<br /></p>AFP"During my recovery, I worked on both aspects," the 31-year-old said.
"Earlier, I'd work mostly on my batting. But this time I had enough time to work on my keeping.
"Hopefully I can do both the roles well."
India, who have reached the Asia Cup final, will begin their bid for a third ODI World Cup title against Australia in Chennai on Oct. 8.
