KL Rahul kept wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings during India’s 278-run victory in the second Test at P Sara Oval, Colombo. Rahul took a catch diving to his right off the first ball of Day Five to dismiss Angelo Mathews, and continued to impress with his wicketkeeping throughout the game. Rahul does not keep wickets for Karnataka — he has never kept wickets in a First-Class match — but was the regular ‘keeper for Under-19 teams. Shiamak Unwalla feels if Rahul can keep wickets, it will lend some balance to the Indian team, in a manner reminiscent of his namesake Rahul Dravid. Live Cricket Scorecard: India vs Sri Lanka 2015, 3rd Test at Colombo (SSC)
“I have always enjoyed ’keeping [wickets]. I used to keep earlier for my state under-19 team and later didn’t have much chance to keep. But I keep myself ready if ever anyone wants me to keep. It’s unfortunate that [Wriddhiman] Saha had to miss out with injury but I am very happy to take over the gloves.” KL Rahul had never kept wickets in a First-Class match before being forced to take over the big gloves from the injured Saha. He ended up taking a lovely catch diving to his right off the first ball of Day Five, getting Angelo Mathews off Umesh Yadav. It was his only dismissal in the innings. READ: Virat Kohli’s first win as Test captain vindicates ‘aggressive’ approach
Rahul continued to keep well in the innings. The absence of Saha was never really felt, which is good news for India. Saha’s injury could potentially have been a massive blow for India, but Rahul quickly stepped up to fill the void. Given how well Rahul kept wickets, India now have an interesting dilemma: they can bring in regular ’keeper Naman Ojha and give him a Test cap — letting Rahul play as a pure batsman — or give Karun Nair the cap with Rahul keeping wickets. READ: Murali Vijay’s injury opens the door for Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of India vs Sri Lanka 2015, 3rd Test
An interesting parallel that can be drawn is that of Rahul Dravid, who kept wickets for India in World Cup 2003. To those who might be concerned about the additional wicketkeeping duties affecting Rahul’s batting, it is worth noting that Dravid enjoys an excellent record as ’keeper-batsman. In the 73 matches Dravid kept wickets in, he averaged a healthy 44.23 with four tons and 14 fifties. In fact, Dravid ranks third among all wicketkeeper-batsmen (behind only AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni) with 1,000 ODI runs in terms of batting average. READ: Virat Kohli’s positive cricket leads India forward in 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo
Of course, ODIs are far less strenuous compared to Tests, and Rahul has the job of opening batting as well; but he has a calm temperament and gives the impression that he will not let the additional responsibility faze him. With Rahul keeping, India will have the luxury of bringing in Nair at No. 6, thereby strengthening the batting. Though Ojha is the main wicketkeeper, India will not mind leaving him out if Rahul can keep. India will be well-served if Rahul can pull off a Rahul. READ: Virat Kohli’s decision to field six batsmen and five bowlers could backfire on India
(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek who loves cricket more than cricketers. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)
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