ICC World Test Championship final: Our Top 3 Players pick for KL Rahul replacement

With batter KL Rahul ruled out of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June, Team India is now seeking a potential replacement. Rahul sustained an injury during an IPL match between the Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1. His absence is a significant loss for India, as he could open the batting, play in the middle order, and occasionally serve as a wicketkeeper.

ICC World Test Championship Final Match Schedule

• Dates: Jun 07 – Jun 12
• Match Timing: 3:30pm IST | 6am EST | 10am GMT | 11am Local
• Match Venue: Kennington Oval, London
• Teams: India vs Australia
• Full Details: ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 🏆
• Also See: India Upcoming Matches and Series Schedule

Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan are three potential replacements for KL Rahul in the upcoming World Test Championship final. Kishan has a strong first-class cricket record, while Jaiswal has been consistently impressive in both domestic and IPL matches. Khan, on the other hand, has excelled in domestic cricket, particularly in first-class games, with a remarkable batting average.

One potential option is Ishan Kishan, who has the ability to open or play in the middle order. Although he was part of the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he didn’t play. Kishan boasts an impressive first-class cricket record, having scored 2,985 runs in 48 matches at an average of 38.76, with six centuries and 16 half-centuries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, a 21-year-old batter, has been turning heads since his under-19 days and is currently in top form in the ongoing IPL. He has consistently performed in first-class cricket, amassing 1,845 runs in 15 domestic games with a remarkable average of 80.21, including nine centuries and two centuries. In 10 IPL matches, Jaiswal has scored 442 runs at an average of 44.20, with a best score of 124 and a strike rate of over 158.

Another option is Sarfaraz Khan, who has been excelling in domestic cricket, particularly first-class matches. The selectors may consider him for the Indian squad due to his strong performance. In 37 first-class games, Khan has scored 3,505 runs at an impressive average of 79.65, with 13 centuries and nine fifties to his name, including a top score of 301*.

Considering England’s conditions and the Australian bowling attack, Yashasvi Jaiswal might be the most suitable choice among the three. Jaiswal’s consistent performance across different formats and his ability to score under pressure, particularly in knock-out matches, make him a strong contender. Furthermore, his experience and excellent form in the ongoing IPL could give him the confidence needed to face the formidable Australian side.