Not Parthiv or Karthik, India to spring in a surprise keeper against Afghanistan?

Afghanistan will become the 12th nation to play Test cricket when they take on India in the one-off Test match at Bengaluru, starting from June 14.

However, Virat Kohli-led side could end up springing up a big surprise by not naming a replacement at all, if KL Rahul is to be believed that is.

Lokesh Rahul said he is ready to take on the role of the glovesman in the one-off Test against Afghanistan if the team demands.

Rahul also kept wickets in the IPL and did some good work behind the stumps. Apart from keeping, he finished as the third highest scorer in the tournament with 659 runs at an average of 54.91, scoring six fifties in 14 innings.

The way I feel, to be honest, I might not be fit in time. Ultimately, the selectors will decide. It's not in my hands,

If Saha does not regain his fitness on time, then India would be forced to name a replacement.

Going by current form it should be Dinesh Karthik but according to the policies maintained by the Indian team management, the player already in the squad would get the preference when the No. 1 keeper is injured. That makes Parthiv Patel the frontrunner.

Now with only a fortnight to go for the historic Test match, Saha has revealed the status on the extent of his injury.

Saha suffered an injury to his right thumb during Sunrisers Hyderabad Qualifier 2 match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens and subsequently missed the finals against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on May 27.

A few days ago, BCCI had issued an official statement, stating that Saha, who was named as the specialist keeper in India’s 15-member Test squad against for the Afghanistan Test match, would be kept under observation for a thumb injury.

A thumb injury to India’s Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha has thrown up a new challenge in front of the Indian selectors ahead of the historic Test match against Afghanistan.