IND vs AFG ODIs | 'We’ll play around with No. 3 slot': Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel. Pic/PTI

Ishan Kishan performing wicket-keeping drills instead of KL Rahul attracted immediate attention on the eve of the first ODI between India and Afghanistan here.

Rahul has been India's number one wicket-keeper batter for a number of years in limited overs cricket but now with Kishan back in the ODI set-up, he could be relieved of his duties behind the stumps, going by what transpired on the only training session here before the game on Saturday.

While Kishan was going about his wicket-keeping drills, Rahul was seen taking high catches in the outfield. Virat Kohli's absence from the series due to an injury has allowed India to try out players at No. 3 spot. Here too Rahul could see a change in his role with the bat despite being settled nicely in the middle-order, specifically No. 5, over the last four years.

"In terms of that No. 3 slot, that's something that in this series we'll play around with. Even if it's Ishan or KL or Yashasvi [Jaiswal], it's a nice opportunity now. We've got a couple of one-day games coming up and we'll give guys opportunity in different slots.

"Just to give ourselves a better idea in terms of how we can go and structure the team and have different options," India bowling coach Morne Morkel said .

Rohit Sharma too was part of the training session, having regained full fitness following his hamstring injury.

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