Anil Kumble's Surprise Pick As Rohit Sharma's Replacement For Australia Test, Shubman Gill Snubbed

With reports suggesting India captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss one or two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, fans and experts have been mulling the various options in the team that could be used to replace him. While Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as the clear captaincy pick in Rohit's absence, the hunt for an opening batter is on. Shubman Gill remains one of the biggest candidates for the role but Indian cricket team legend Anil Kumble feels KL Rahul is a better choice.

Speaking to the broadcaster during the rain-hit Day 1 of the India vs New Zealand Test in Bengaluru, Kumble lauded Shubman as an "exceptionally talented" cricketer but for him, Rohit's replacement should be a most versatile batter like Rahul.

"You know he (Shubman) is exceptionally talented, skillful and he's done that. He's been to Australia before. Like you mentioned, in Brisbane, he got a wonderful fifty there and he knows the conditions," Kumble said.

"I don't want to change that. I know there's a temptation to push Shubman Gill because Rohit is not available in the first Test. But, there's always KL Rahul and that name is synonymous with change and adapting to whatever the team wants. Whether you want to open the batting or keep wickets, Rahul Dravid did that, and now KL Rahul is doing that," he added.

KL Rahul has played for India in various roles, be it opening the batting or acting as a finisher at the No. 6 spot. In the past Cheteshwar Pujara has batted at the top of the order when India needed someone to hold one end together. Kumble feels Rahul can do the same.

"You said, for the last 25 years, there have been only two players who have been consistently playing and it's a tough role. I mean, both those batsmen, Rahul and