The ex-India opener pointed out that KL Rahul is a flexible player who can fill multiple roles.©AFP
Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has opened up the Rohit Sharma-led side’s fascination with KL Rahul, who has not been in the best form so far this year. Rahul, who missed the two Asia Cup group matches, is likely to be back for the Super 4 match against Pakistan on Sunday. He has also been included in India’s 15-man provisional squad for the home soil World Cup, which begins on October 5. However, several current and former players suggested that India should continue to support the players in form, rather than Rahul, who is out of action for a while.
Chopra pointed out that Rahul is a flexible player, able to play in different positions and also keep the wickets, making him one of the first names in the playing XI.
“It has been a subject of intense debate as to why KL Rahul all the time – why does the Indian team remain so interested? Although an opener he is one of the few versatile cricketers who can bat in other positions and are equally adept .” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
To further support his claim, Chopra gave the examples of star batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are unlikely to change their batting.
“You can take it with a grain of salt. If you want, don’t ask Rohit Sharma to play at number five. You expect less Virat Kohli to perform very well at number five. Though they have both done it in the past, it now stands the best of them on top You won’t be asking Shubman Gill to play at number 5 In fact you’re kind of 50-50 if you also play Ishan Kishan at number 5 because he won You can’t play every time in the first 10 overs get going and what will happen if the spin comes right off the start. What happens if the field is a bit slow? So those questions are still on your mind,” Chopra explained.
Rahul was practicing in the nets ahead of the game against Pakistan on Sunday. It will be interesting to see whether or not he ships directly to the playing XI.
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