The Indian opener, KL Rahul is all set to miss the rescheduled fifth Test match against England scheduled to be commencing on July 1 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. He suffered a groin injury before the start of the 5-match T20I series against South Africa at home. Rahul, who was named as the captain for the T20I team, was declared ruled out of the series. In his absence, Rishabh Pant led the men in blue, while Ruturaj Gaikwad got a chance to open the innings.
KL Rahul will reportedly travel to Germany for treating the injury. Last year, he was one of India’s best players on the England tour. He had amassed 315 runs in the series, including a brilliant century at the Lord’s cricket ground. His absence is a huge blow for the Indian team. So far, the selectors are yet to name a replacement for the Indian opener.
We take a look at the three players who can replace KL Rahul in the Indian Test squad against England.
#3 Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal is the front-runner to be announced as a replacement for KL Rahul in the Indian squad. He has a good record in a 21-match Test career so far. Mayank has amassed 1488 runs at an average of 41.33. His run tally includes four Test centuries and six fifties. He played India vs Sri Lanka Test series at home earlier this year. However, he could not make much of an impact, averaging just 19.66 in a couple of matches. Mayank will be keen to get back in the Indian Test squad.
#2 Priyank Panchal
Priyank Panchal has been pretty consistent in first-class cricket for Gujarat and has been one of their crucial cogs over the last few years. However, he hasn’t gotten an opportunity to make his India debut. In 101 first-class matches, Priyank has scored 7068 runs at an average of 45.30, including 24 centuries. He has been a part of the Indian squad a few times but was not lucky enough to make his debut, yet. Panchal was a standby player for India’s home series against England last year.
#1 Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw already has an impressive record for India in his short Test career as he has amassed 339 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.37 and a strike rate of over 86. On his Test debut against West Indies, he slammed 134 runs off 154 deliveries, smashing 19 fours. Shaw also has a great first-class record averaging nearly 48 with a top score of 202. Currently, he is leading the Mumbai team in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season and has looked in decent touch.
