Saturday's training session in Dharamshala offered an early read on how India intends to shuffle its pack for the one-day series against Afghanistan. On one side of the ground Ishan Kishan was sharpening his wicketkeeping, while a few yards away Lokesh Rahul was busy taking high catches during fielding drills. Together, the two images hinted that some familiar roles are about to be redrawn.
Who keeps the gloves?
For several years now, Rahul has been India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs. But Ishan Kishan's return to the squad has unsettled that arrangement. Should Ishan take over behind the stumps, both Rahul's responsibilities and his place in the batting order open up to change.
Room to experiment at No. 3
Virat Kohli is out of the series with an injury, and his absence has handed the team management a window to audition different batters at No. 3. Rahul has settled comfortably into the middle order over the past few seasons, particularly at No. 5, yet this series could see his batting position shift as well.
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel made it clear that more than one option will be tried in that slot. ‘‘We are going to experiment a bit with the No. 3 spot in this series. Ishan, Rahul or (Yashasvi) Jaiswal — any of them could get a chance to bat there. We have a few ODIs in hand and we want to try players in different positions,’’ he said. For Morkel, the point of the exercise is to look ahead: ‘‘It will help us understand the team combination better and build more options for the future.’’
Two young quicks on the verge of a debut
Young pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar could make their international debut for India on Saturday. The team had trained in Chandigarh before travelling to Dharamshala, and it was there that the pair caught the coaching staff's eye. Gurnoor, in fact, has long served as a net bowler for the Indian side, so the surroundings were hardly new to him.
Morkel was visibly impressed by the attitude of both. ‘‘At first glance it felt as if they had been part of the team for the last four or five years. There was no sign of nerves on their faces. A player coming into the team for the first time is naturally a little anxious, but it was good to see the energy and confidence with which these two trained,’’ he said.
‘The youngsters will get their chance’
On the technical side, too, Morkel was generous with praise. ‘‘There is accuracy in their bowling and it is clear they have worked very hard on their skills. That makes the job of the coaching staff easier. Going forward we will try to refine their game further and discuss ways to perform better in the middle and the death overs,’’ he said, adding, ‘‘At first glance we are very happy with both players.’’
The bowling coach is confident that head coach Gautam Gambhir will hand these youngsters an opportunity in this very series. ‘‘I am fully confident that Gautam will give these players the chance to play in the India jersey. Representing India in international cricket is an altogether different experience. We are excited about them getting their chance,’’ Morkel said.
Rohit fully fit and back in the nets
Amid all this came reassuring news about Rohit Sharma, who has regained fitness and joined the training session. Brushing aside any concern, Morkel said: ‘‘Rohit has passed all his fitness tests. He has been fully cleared to play. Even if there was some minor niggle, there is nothing to worry about now. He is training well and is completely fit. We are looking forward to seeing him out on the field.’’
