<p>India’s attention will once again turn to the red-ball format when the first Test match between India and England begins in Hyderabad on Thursday. India head coach Rahul Dravid has clarified KL Rahul’s position ahead of the first game of the five-match series, saying he won’t be taking wickets for the whole of the series.</p>
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<p>Since recovering from an injury sustained during the Asia Cup last year, Rahul has been allocated to the stumper role. Throughout the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, he wore the keeping gloves. This was followed by an ODI series in South Africa and a two-match Test series against the hosts that resulted in a 1-1 draw.</p>
<p>Rahul was initially included in the side for the first two Tests by the selectors, along with Kona Srikar Bharat and uncapped keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. When India plays England at the Uppal Stadium on Thursday, Bharat is probably going to be handed the starting job since the team management wants to have a specialized “keeper” in the mix.</p>
<p>While Rahul has been excellent behind the wickets, the team has two expert wicketkeepers who would be favored for the position, Dravid told the reporters on Tuesday in Hyderabad.</p>
<p>“Rahul will not be taking wickets throughout the series. We were obviously aware of it from the selecting process, in my opinion. We had selected two more people who we could retain. Thus, it goes without saying that Rahul performed well for us in South Africa and was a major factor in our decision to draw that series, Dravid said.</p>
