Asia Cup 2022: “KL Rahul Probably Has More Ability Than Rohit Sharma" - Gautam Gambhir

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that KL Rahul is the only thing stopping him from unleashing his full potential and even stated that the Karnataka batter is more talented and has more ability than captain Rohit Sharma himself.

His words came after KL Rahul’s comeback to the Indian team after an injury-filled 5-month break. Rahul had suffered a sports hernia injury just before the home T20I series against South Africa and had to undergo surgery for the same. Then he hurt his hamstring while prepping for his return and due to fitness, had to miss the West Indies series.

He made his comeback in the ODI series against Zimbabwe but has struggled to find his rhythm with the bat. He was clean bowled by Naseem Shah in India’s first match of the Asia Cup 2022 and then scratched his way to 36 runs in 39 balls against Hong Kong.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Gambhir was asked whether Wednesday’s knock would have given confidence to India’s vice-captain.

He said: “KL Rahul has so much ability. I will not hesitate to say that in this dressing room, he probably has more ability than Rohit Sharma and he has shown that by doing it in international cricket. Only he can stop himself if he doesn’t play freely.

He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. You have seen in international cricket and the IPL, you are only holding yourself back, just go play. T20 cricket was created so that you can express yourself.”

One of the criticisms KL Rahul has faced even in IPL is that he fails to bat aggressively in the powerplay overs, putting pressure on rest of the batters to give momentum to the innings, while he takes time to set himself.

“Probably The Entire Momentum Would Have Changed” – Gautam Gambhir On KL Rahul Refraining From Playing The Big Shots

Gambhir reckons Rahul should have gone for another maximum after having struck Aizaz Khan for a six in the ninth over of the Indian innings.

He added: “He spent time, he played 39 balls, but the game changer could have been when he hit a six off the medium pacer and the next ball was in the same slot. If he had struck one more big hit, probably the entire momentum would have changed.

Whether you play 39 or nine balls, two big shots give you more confidence than playing 39 balls. I hope because of these 39 balls he will play freely in the upcoming matches because this player has so much ability.”

India have qualified for the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2022.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Suryakumar Yadav Should Bat At No.3 Ahead Of Virat Kohli – Gautam Gambhir