ICC Champions Trophy 2017: 5 replacements for KL Rahul

Defending Champions Trophy holders, India have been dealt a severe blow even before the tournament has started as KL Rahul has ruled himself out of the tournament with a shoulder injury. 

This is bound to throw the team combination into jeopardy and hence the hunt will begin for the next best opener in the country who could replace the Karnataka-lad at the top of the order. 

Although, there are plenty of options available all around the circuit, replacing Rahul who was at the peak of his prowess will not be an easy task. However, both Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli will have to look ahead and find a suitable partner for Rohit Sharma to face the new ball in England. 

The ongoing IPL can be a good testing ground and hence the selectors will have to keep their eyes firmly in position to look for options. 

Here in this article, we take a look at 5 possible replacements for KL Rahul. 

#5 Gautam Gambhir

Will he don the blues again?

Yes, the old warhorse pops up again and this is not because we love going back to the veterans. It is more to do with the fact that Gambhir has been in spanking form in the IPL and is coming off a fruitful Ranji season too. 

He made a comeback into the Indian Test team and even got a half-century and by all means, the fire is very much kicking in his belly. 

In 5 matches so far this season the KKR skipper has scored 196 runs at an average of 65.33 and with a strike rate of 142. Although the sample size is too small, Gambhir looks to be in fine nick and with his experience at the top of the order can be a real asset for the team in England.