'Abe yar please gill ko khila lo opening position' - Rahul's removal as vice-captain 'indicate nothing', says Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul (Image credit: Twitter)

India are currently locking horns with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and are leading the series 2-0 after comprehensive wins in the first two Tests. Although India have already retained the trophy and are dominating the series, KL Rahul's poor form is bothering the hosts. The opening batter was surrounded by criticism after he failed to perform well in the first two Tests.

Rahul managed to score just 38 runs in the first two Tests and was removed as Team India's vice-captain following a disappointing performance in the Delhi Test. Last week, the Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the remaining two matches of the four-match Test series. The board, however, retained the same team but did not mention the vice-captain. This led to speculations by fans and former cricketers that Rahul might be dropped from the playing XI to make way for the youngster Shubman Gill.

Meanwhile, amid all these developments, India captain Rohit Sharma, who backed his deputy after the second Test, gave his first reaction to Rahul's removal as India's vice-captain for the remaining two Tests. Voicing his support for his opening partner ahead of the third Test, Rohit added that Rahul's removal as vice-captain of the Test team 'indicates nothing'.

"I said it after the last game also. When we talk about players going through a tough time, anyone with potential will be given enough time to prove himself. Being vice-captain or not being vice-captain doesn't tell you anything. At that point in time when he was the vice-captain, he was probably the senior most. His removal of vice-captaincy doesn't indicate anything," the skipper said on Tuesday.

'We haven't finalized the XI yet': Rohit

Shubman Gill, who is likely to replace Rahul as the opener for the third Test if he is dropped, had a long training session as India prepares for tomorrow's clash. This suggests that the 23-year-old might be back in whites, but when asked about it, captain Rohit said it was routine. Rohit also added that he would disclose the playing XI only at the toss.

"As far as Gill and KL both are concerned, that is how they train and practice before any game. Today was an optional training session for the entire group. All 17-18 are in the reckoning. It's not just about Gill and Rahul. But as far as our XI is concerned, we have not finalised it yet. I prefer it to be announced at the toss. Can't count out last-minute injuries and all and we will keep it interesting for you guys as well," Rohit added.

This is how Twitter reacted to Rohit Sharma's statement regarding Rahul's removal from the position of vice-captain:

If someone asks repeatedly same question to him.. he will say samething..
Let's hope that Gill replaces KLoL tomorrow

— VipLov ISM 🔥 (@VipLov_ISM) February 28, 2023

Then why he was removed? It simply shows he is not eligible for that post

— Bachaspati Nayak (@BachaspatiN) February 28, 2023

ICT FANS TO ROHIT AND DRAVID pic.twitter.com/vyzTD2Cxel

— Vipul Latiyan (@vipul_latiyan) February 28, 2023

If KL Rahul playing tomorrow thn india need to win toss nd bat 1st..

Caz if we bat 2nd thn it will be his last test

— Vaibhav (@vabby_16) February 28, 2023

Then what the logic to remove if doesn't indicate anything..??

— Tween's Life HORRORS (@amankl12) February 28, 2023

It's already written.. Kl klassy rahul will score century in next match 💯

— KR (@iamitamu) February 28, 2023

Accha pic.twitter.com/EgnAM3GCgi

— Akay Singhania❤️‍🔥👊 (@its_singhania) February 28, 2023

We know that doesn't indicate anything but at least he should play domestic cricket again... and then comeback in the team...You know recent comeback of Sir Jadeja...

— Mohak Lad (@MohakLad) February 28, 2023