Wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul has been ruled out of India’s first two games in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 due to a niggle. While there have been divided opinions on Rahul’s selection in the squad, former Indian player Mohammad Kaif believes that the 31-year-old’s runs and control of the tempo of an innings in the middle overs would be missing for the side in his absence.
“This means KL Rahul’s injury could aggravate. If he is unfit now, there is no guarantee that he will be fit after two games. The news is not good for Indian fans because Rahul plays very well at No. 5 in ODIs. His stats are very good,” Kaif said on Star Sports.
Despite being in poor form in other formats. Rahul has been prolific at the number five slot in the ODI side. He scored 742 runs from 18 innings at an average of 53 which is his best average compared to any other position he bats. He also played crucial knocks along the way when the side was in trouble.
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Mumbai Indian’s batter Ishan Kishan is in the squad as backup keeper option in the side. However, he is not accustomed to playing in the middle order in the ODI set-up. “He knows how to shift gears, is able to play big shots, and knows how to stabilize innings. You won’t get a replacement even if you play Ishan Kishan. Apart from wicket-keeping, Rahul also provides a finishing touch,” Kaif said.
India is also carrying Sanju Samson in the squad as the reserve player as Rahul’s fitness was a concern right from the day the squad was announced. Ajit Agarkar in the press conference mentioned that.
Samson too has had a decent start to his ODI career with an average of 55.71 in 13 matches scoring 390 runs and playing some crucial knocks in the format so far in his brief career.
indianexpress.com
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