Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has backed KL Rahul to replace Sarfaraz Khan for the first Test against Bangladesh. Srikkanth, who was part of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, said when a big player returns, one has to lose his place.
Meanwhile, after his consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz Khan made his Test debut against England. Khan, whose fitness has often been questioned, showed he was ready for the big stage, scoring a quickfire 62 off 66 runs in his maiden Test innings before he was sold down the river by Ravindra Jadeja.
Khan scored 200 runs in three Test matches against England at an average of 50. The right-hander returned with scores of 9 and 46 in the Duleep trophy clash against India A.
On the other hand, KL Rahul has returned to the team after recuperating from an injury. Rahul returned with scores of 37 and 57 in the Duleep trophy match against India B.
“Honestly, I feel bad for Sarfaraz Khan. But, this happens, at times, in Test cricket. You would have been playing well but when a big player returns, you will have to lose your place. Take for instance, Rishabh Pant is returning because of which Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are losing their places. KL Rahul is coming in,” Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel.
With the overseas tour of Australia on the cards, Srikkanth reckons experienced Rahul will be preferred ahead of rookie Khan.
“At the back of the mind, they are also keeping the Australia series. New Zealand are also coming. KL Rahul has performed well overseas, in Australia he has done well,” added Srikkanth.
The opening Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at Chennai from September 19.
