Parthiv Patel takes dig at KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping skills for longer format

Parthiv Patel has given his opinion about the wicketkeeping capabilities of KL Rahul. Taking to X, Patel wrote about the potential WK option of India against South Africa in the Test series. KL Rahul led India in the ODI series against SA. Under the captaincy of KL, India won its second ODI series on the soil of South Africa, which was praised by all in Indian cricket.

The focus has shifted towards the Test series. The first of the two Tests is set to happen at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Ahead of the Test match, there is a doubt regarding the WK for India. There are two choices in KL Rahul and KS Bharat as wicketkeepers for the series. Regarding the same discussion, Parthiv has given his opinion. In his account on X, Patel wrote about his opinion on the WK skills of Rahul.

Parthiv thought that WK should be the one who has kept enough for their domestic side in the recent past. It was obvious that the former Indian cricketer was referring to Bharat as a better option over KL Rahul. India’s test match wicketkeeper should be someone who is keeping regularly in Ranji trophy or first-class cricket… #imho #INDvSA #IndianCricket,” wrote Parthiv.

KL Rahul’s lack of wicketkeeping experience

In 2014, Rahul made his debut for the Indian team in the Boxing Day test. Till then, Rahul had scored truckloads of runs for Karnataka in first-class cricket. At the same time, Rahul was also a regular WK for his side. Till then, Rahul had a good groove over his wicketkeeping. But since then, he has not kept for any side for a longer period.

In Tests, it is risky to go with someone who has not kept for a long time. England in Ashes 2023 suffered with the same issue as Jonny Bairstow did not come behind the stumps. It raises doubts regarding the WK skills of KL Rahul for the longer format. On the other hand, KS Bharat is a safe wicketkeeper.