"Rahul will not be playing as a wicketkeeper in this series and we are clear about that in the selection itself," he told reporters ahead of the first Test match here.
Dravid said the decision has been made keeping in view the length of the five-Test series and trying conditions in India.
"We have picked two other wicketkeepers and Rahul did a fantastic job for us in South Africa and played a big part in helping us draw the series. But considering five Test matches and playing in these conditions the selection will be between the two other keepers we have," he said.
A heavy bet has been put on Bharat to don the keeping gloves in the England series, considering his experience in Indian conditions and his performances.
Bharat is a specialist wicketkeeper who has the ability behind the stumps where spin plays a stellar role.
