The practice of having a specialist wicketkeeper has got over after MS Dhoni got retired. When Rahul Dravid is asked whether the Indian team management is looking for a wicketkeeping specialist for the World Cup, he says that there is no doubt they are looking for such a person.
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, must be overjoyed as India has swept the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, defeating the hosts by 90 runs in the last ODI in Indore which was held at Holkar Stadium.
Rahul Dravid spoke with the media before of the third ODI, and he was asked some harsh questions about India’s preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
When asked if the Indian team management is searching for a wicketkeeper like Rahul Dravid for the ODI World Cup, Rahul Dravid responds that there is no question they are looking for a wicketkeeper-batter and that the practise of having a specialised wicketkeeper has ended since MS Dhoni resigned.
The Ex-Indian cricketer believes that the young players in contention, whether it is Ishan Kishan or KS Bharat, are both strong batters who have demonstrated their skill in the Vijay Hazare Trophy; however, at the international level, KS Bharat has not played but Ishan Kishan has batted effectively.
A concern is also raised over who would replace Rishabh Pant, who will be out for about a year due to an injury.
In response, Rahul Dravid adds that while Pant is injured, they still have Rahul, Sanju Samson, and other wicketkeeper-batsmen.
He goes on to say that in today’s wicketkeeper-batsman age, a wicketkeeper should be able to contribute with the bat as well and they chose Jitesh Sharma for the T20Is because of his abilities to keep and bat.
According to Rahul Dravid, Jitesh Sharma is capable of scoring runs quickly, and he has demonstrated this skill in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the IPL.
The Indian team crushed the Kiwis in the third ODI as well, scoring 385/9 in 50 overs after batting first, however the Kiwis lost by 90 runs after being dismissed for 295 in roughly 42 overs.
India and New Zealand will now play a three-match T20I series beginning on January 27, 2023, with the first match taking place at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
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