All but out of contention for the IPL play-offs, KL Rahul's future as Lucknow Super Giants skipper is uncertain for the remaining two games after the team received a pasting at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on Wednesday.
'What do you want us to do?': KL's heated exchange with umpire Dharamsena during Oval Test
The short turnaround time from the high of winning a controversy-marred Asia Cup notwithstanding, Shubman Gill's India will be outright favourites against a struggling and under-strength West Indies when the teams face-off on a green-top in the first Test in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Skipper Shubman Gill had a long batting stint while the troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel returned to action for India's final training session here on Wednesday before the first Test against the West Indies.
He contrasts that with Pakistan's past batting line-ups.
Team India touched down in Manchester on Sunday ahead of the must-win fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
'When I joined the India team, M S Dhoni had told me, "Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi".'
K L Rahul and B Sai Sudharsan struck sublime hundreds as India A registered a stunning five-wicket win over Australia A while hunting down a target of 413 to seal the two-match unofficial Test series 1-0, in Lucknow, on Friday.
The Indian team's heavy reliance on all-rounders will be tested by a plucky Australia in the second ODI but the spotlight will continue to stay firmly on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom would look to turn back the clock with series-saving knocks in Adelaide on Thursday.
The grand comeback party of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma endured a quick 22-ball ending, and their lowkey outing reflected in India's seven-wicket defeat against Australia.
'KL was excellent in nullifying that early threat and played very straight.'
'To take two left-arm spinners to Australia is not possible, but he is clearly in the scheme of things with how good he is.'
After England were dismissed for a massive 669 runs, pacer Chris Woakes handed early an early jolt to bring the crowds to their feet.
With no foreign tours for the next one year, Easwaran's Test debut looks unlikely with N Jagadeesan being looked at as a potential third opener.
Rahul bemoans batting failures in ODI loss to South Africa
Rahul introduced spin early in the game as his slow bowlers, led by Krunal, wrecked havoc.
'He wanted to be there early. He wanted to play the side game (India A tour game).'
In a moment of poor judgment, Pant tapped the ball towards Ben Stokes at cover and set off for a non-existent single-only to be run out, leaving India at 248 for 5.
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill stood tall, not with fireworks, but with grit and grace, forging a 174-run stand that reminded fans of the game's old soul - and drew admiration from the likes of Sanjay Manjrekar.
KL Rahul is optimistic about India's chances in the upcoming World Cup
KL Rahul becomes second India batter after Vengsarkar to score more than one Test ton at Lord's
'As much as we may want, unka number itni aasani se nahi aayega (It's not going to be easy for Rahul)'
Rahul said his strong preparations during the rehabilitation period at the NCA helped him prepare for his return.
After the proceedings began with light warm-up and catching, the action shifted to the nets where all batters had long stints in the nets while the other pace bowlers too put in the hard yards.
'Watching him bat this innings is like watching the MCC coaching manual in action.'
KL has answered his doubters emphatically in this series, registering at least one fifty-plus score in every Test so far.
Ben Stokes, the man who had earlier lit up the field with a sensational century, didn't bowl a single over.
The Indian team also made history at Headingley in the series opener, with five centuries scored in a Test match.
India captain Rohit Sharma has climbed to second place in the ICC men's ODI batting rankings, closing in on top-ranked Shubman Gill.
India crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs inside three days in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, in Ahmedabad, on Saturday.
Aus ODIs: Bumrah, Gill workload to be discussed, battle between Jaiswal and Abhishek
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday that middle-order batters KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan are locked in a selection battle for the second Test against New Zealand here even though head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen to give the former, a long rope.
KL Rahul has always been confident about keeping wickets in Tests
There is a school of thought that having done the hard yards in the England series, Karun Nair deserves an opportunity against a weaker opposition where a century could boost his career.
Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul is all set to play for his franchise from the opening IPL game after getting all clear from the National Cricket Academy but he has been advised against wicket-keeping in the first few games.
IMAGES from Day 4 of the 1st Test between England and India at Headingley in Leeds on Monday.
England lead 2-1 in the series and victory at Old Trafford would seal it.
'A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.'
KL Rahul's Successful surgery brings hope for speedy return to Indian cricket team
Sidharth and Kiara have embraced parenthood for the first time, they are not the only star couple to have been blessed with a daughter in recent years, we take a look at Bollywood couples who became parents to daughters.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances