'Because Moment Rishabh Pant Is Fit...' - Manjrekar Raises Rahul vs Iyer Debate
KL Rahul scored a comeback hundred in South Africa (Twitter)
Sanjay Manjrekar believes critical middle-order batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are approaching a direct face-off for one slot in India's Test match line-up in the near future when incumbent wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant returns after a prolonged absence.
The former India batter reckons with his magnificent comeback century in Centurion and overall performance as a middle-order player and wicketkeeper-batter in South Africa, Rahul has bolstered his contention for a long-term place in the side.
Iyer failed to impress the selectors and the management on difficult surfaces during the two-match series but is averaging close to 40 after 12 Tests with five half-centuries and a solitary hundred next to his name.
Manjrekar Raises Rahul vs Iyer Debate
Manjrekar feels if Rahul and Iyer go on contrasting paths from here onwards, it could be that the team management is forced to rethink the latter's Test match prospects, especially when Pant is back to take his rightful spot as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter.
The veteran commentator heaped praise on Rahul's performances during the trip and lauded his attitude and keenness to be involved across formats for the country.
"I think he's a guy who cares about every format. You know how he's built to value every opportunity that he gets after he got that 100.You know, I am looking two years from now and I thought he's really competing with Shreyas Iyer for a batting position in the middle order because the moment Rishabh Pant is fit, he becomes your keeper batter, and there's great quality to Rishabh Pant batting and keeping as well."
"That innings was just incredible (First Test hundred). Unfortunately, you know, Dean Elgar got a 180, they got 400 because we at the time thought that 260 was gonna be enough. And that was the moment if India could have latched onto, there would have been a series win in South Africa," he added.
In the unfolding narrative of India's Test cricket, Manjrekar's insightful analysis highlights a potential clash between KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer for a coveted middle-order spot once Rishabh Pant returns. Rahul's stellar comeback century in Centurion, coupled with his multi-faceted contributions as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper in South Africa, strengthens his bid for a lasting role. On the other hand, Iyer's struggles on challenging surfaces raise questions, despite a respectable Test average.
As the cricketing paths of Rahul and Iyer diverge, the team management faces a looming decision, especially with Pant reclaiming the wicketkeeper-batter role. Manjrekar acknowledges Rahul's commitment and deems the competition crucial for India's Test dynamics.
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