IND vs AUS: Stripping vice captaincy does not mean anything big- Rohit Sharma on KL Rahul ahead of 3rd Test

India and Australia to face each other in the third Test in Indore starting from Wednesday.

IND vs AUS, KL Rahul in third Test, Rohit sharma, Rohit Sharma press conference, Rohit sharma

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IND vs AUS: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has opened up on under-fire KL Rahul’s place in the Playing XI for the third Test against Australia in Indore. Addressing the media in the pre-match conference, Rohit said, “All 17 players in the team has a chance. The team will back those who are talented. Stripping vice-captaincy does not mean anything big. He was made the vice captain because maybe there was not many experienced players at that time. It is not a big thing.”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma during a practice session ahead of the 3rd test cricket match between India and Australia, at Holkar Cricket Stadium, in Indore, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (PTI)

India have already secured the Border-Gavaskar trophy and they will now be playing for a record-extending 16th straight series win at home and a guaranteed spot in the World Test Championship final in June.

Leading 2-0 in a four-match series, India are sitting pretty and just need to make one tough decision of choosing between out-of-form K L Rahul and Shubman Gill. Rahul is no more the vice-captain of the side but the team management has shown tremendous faith in him and he might well get another opportunity to get back among the runs.

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Rahul averages an underwhelming 33.4 after 47 Tests while Gill has been waiting patiently for his opportunity in red-ball cricket after a sensational season in limited overs cricket. Rahul, who has failed to cross the 25-run mark in his last 10 Test innings, was removed as vice-captain following the second Test in Delhi, raising hopes of a change for the remaining two games.

Indian cricketers Shubman Gill and KL Rahul during a practice session ahead of the 3rd test cricket match between India and Australia, at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. (PTI)

When asked the preparation of both Gill and Rahul, the skipper added: “As far as Gill and KL Rahul are concerned, that is how they train before any game. Today was optional training session for the entire group. Whoever wanted to come they came.

“As far as 11 is concerned, I would like to do it at the toss. I prefer it that way considering last minute injuries are a possibility.” India lead the four-match series 2-0 and a win here will guarantee them a place in the World Test Championship final in June.

With PTI inputs

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