KL Rahul joined the Team India squad in Colombo on Tuesday evening but there’s no guarantee that he will be fielded straightaway.

Ishan Kishan’s innings against Pakistan during India’s rained-out Asia Cup opener in Pallekele have changed things dramatically and the Jharkhand batter is now the team management’s first-choice wicket-keeper.

Rahul was included in the World Cup squad after having been declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). It was learnt that he played a practice match on September 1, successfully batting for 38 overs and then keeping wickets for the entire 50 overs.

He showed no discomfort in another match on Monday after which the NCA gave the green light to the selection committee. But the debate over his fitness will continue until he proves himself in an international game. Rahul hasn’t played a competitive match since the IPL in May.

Kishan though has used the opportunity successfully. The team management is unlikely to rush Rahul into the thick of the action, allowing him some more time to adjust.

It would also be unfair to bench Kishan after Saturday’s fabulous 82 under pressure, his fourth successive ODI half-century. If he can continue in the same vein, Rahul might find the going tough.

Given the circumstances, Rahul might be put to the test only during the home ODIs against Australia. It’s always wise to back the man in form than try someone whose match fitness remains under a cloud.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar didn’t wish to predict anything.

“KL was part of our camp. He looked good. He batted for almost the entire duration of 50 overs in Bangalore. He’s an important player for us. Kishan played well recently, plays well at the top and KL’s record in ODIs is brilliant.

“We have two good options. We can pick and choose between the two who will fight for a spot in the team,” Agarkar said.

Kishan’s emergence as a potent force has been a “welcome headache” for the team management. Besides batting at No.5, he also provides an option at the top which could be handy in long tournaments like the World Cup, beginning next month. Rohit Sharma too hasn’t ruled out including both in the XI if need be.