India vs Australia: KL Rahul stays in Test squad but loses VC role

the Indian squad for the final two Test matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Interestingly, the India Cricket Board (BCCI) statement signed by Jay Shah on Sunday, didn’t mention Rahul as the vice-captain for the series unlike the first two Tests. Rahul had even led the Indian team in Bangladesh in December when regular captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out due to injury.The statement also mentioned Ishan Kishan as the solitary wicketkeeper for the following three-match ODI series against Australia.

Rahul remains a part of the ODI squad but has not been assigned the wicketkeeping duties by the selectors. However, the team management and Rahul have insisted that his wicket-keeping and batting at No. 5 lends more balance to the ODI team.

Jaydev Unadkat, who was released from the squad to play in the Ranji Trophy final for Saurashtra this week, has also been brought back into the Test team.

1/11KL Rahul faces heat for poor batting formShow Captions<p>India opener KL Rahul has been under fire of late for his poor Test form. </p><p>In India's 1st innings of the 2nd Test, Rahul initially stood firm against the opposition attack.</p><p>But Nathan Lyon turned on the heat to dismiss Rahul in both the innings. AFP</p><p>Rahul has gone past 25 just once in his last 11 Test innings, scoring -- 50, 8, 12, 10, 22, 23, 10, 2, 20, 17 and 1.

</p><p>Since 2017, Rahul only has 1204 runs in 48 innings at an average of just over 26. </p><p>Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad lashed out at the Indian team management for persisting with Rahul. </p><p>Prasad said that the Rahul's inclusion costs other talented batters a place in the national side.</p><p>Citing the example of Sarfaraz Khan, Prasad slammed the selectors for ignoring players.