As the players of Team India make their way back into the team after their absences because of injuries, some of the players who filled their shoes in the intervening ODI matches have had to make way. While Jasprit Bumrah's return is undisputed and Shreyas Iyer is widely accepted as the player who deserves to be the first-choice No. 4 for team India, KL Rahul's direct return to the No. 5 spot and as the first-choice wicketkeeper has come under scrutiny.
Former India batsman Mohammed Kaif said that head coach Rahul Dravid could feel comfortable keeping the experienced Rahul in the position going into the World Cup despite the brilliant performances of Ishan Kishan.
Kaif said, "Rahul Dravid will know that both Rahul and Iyer are the backbone of the Indian middle order and that they will need game time. Ishan played really well, and that’s good because there’s healthy competition on the team."
He also said that, "However, if an in-form player sits out, then it’s not a problem because Dravid will want to see Rahul bat at No. 5. He has good numbers at No. 5, and you will want him and Iyer to get game time and have that form when they play the first World Cup game against Australia."