Sourav Ganguly identifies KL Rahul’s replacement in test matches

Sourav Ganguly believes that Rohit Sharma can make a cut in test matches ahead of KL Rahul.

Former Indian Skipper Sourav Ganguly wants Rohit Sharma to replace KL Rahul in the longer format of the game.

Since making his debut in 2014 against Australia, the opener has been battling out to find his old rhythm. The men in blue won all games during India’s tour to West Indies. It was merely a walkover, but among them struggling to find the form is the opener KL Rahul. His extended poor run of games failed to end in West Indies as he scored less than 150 runs from four innings.

Sourav Ganguly wrote a column for Times of India and divulged that Rohit Sharma should be in Virat Kohli’s eyesight to open the innings in the test cricket.

He wrote: “I had suggested earlier about trying Rohit Sharma as an opener in Test cricket and I still believe that he needs to be given an opportunity because he is too good a player to be left out in the cold,”

The Kings XI Punjab opener has been at the end of 12 single digits scores out of last 24 innings. Over and above to this, Rahul has crossed the 17-run mark lesser than five occasions from 24 appearances.

Dada also believed that the consistency shown by Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari is the sole reason why the management does not test any other player in the middle order.

“After a fantastic World Cup, I believe he will be itching to grab the opportunity to open in Tests. With Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari settling in nicely, there is not much left to play around in the middle order,” he further added.

KL Rahul has got the backing and opportunities at the top of the order, but has not managed to nail down this spot and this has convinced Ganguly that a change is needed.

“The opening still remains an area to work on. Mayank Agarwal looks good but will need a few more opportunities. His partner KL Rahul, though, has flattered to deceive and that creates an opening at the top,” Sourav Ganguly said.

After an easy task by overcoming West Indies, India will now play South Africa from mid-September.