Venkatesh Prasad, KL Rahul
Venkatesh Prasad, KL Rahul. (Photo: Twitter)

Opening batter KL Rahul of India was the centre of attention when the “Men in Blue” faced Hong Kong in their second Group A match at the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai.

In order for Rahul to get back into the swing of things after being removed for a golden duck in India’s opening match against Pakistan, this outing was crucial.

Rahul did spend some time in the middle and did get 36 runs, but he hardly appeared to be a batter competing in a T20 match. Rahul needed 39 balls to make it to 36 before being struck out. India was struggling at 94/2 after 13 overs when he was dismissed.

Asia Cup 2022: Venkatesh Prasad Questions KL Rahul's Approach Against Hong Kong
India’s Virat Kohli celebrates with teammate Suryakumar Yadav

Simply Cannot Fathom Such This Approach From KL Rahul: Venkatesh Prasad

Suryakumar Yadav, who came in to bat after Rahul, gave the innings a huge boost by slamming an unbeaten 68 off only 26 balls to help the side reach 192/2 in 20 overs.

Even Virat Kohli, who managed to remain undefeated on 59 after 44 balls, displayed strong play.

KL Rahul. PC-Getty
KL Rahul. PC-Getty

Prior to getting removed, captain Rohit Sharma demonstrated his resolve by smashing 21 runs off just 13 balls.

Venkatesh Prasad, a former India fast bowler, has criticised Rahul’s strategy at a time when India is aiming to play aggressive cricket.

“Is there something in the pitch that is not visible? Simply can’t fathom this approach, especially from KL Rahul. #IndvsHkg” Prasad wrote on Twitter.

India Playing XI

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

Hong Kong Playing XI

Nizakat Khan (c), Yasim Murtaza, Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie (wk), Zeeshan Ali, Haroon Arshad, Ehsan Khan, Ayush Shukla, Mohammad Ghazanfar

Also Read: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s Wife Ritika Gets Disappointed As India Skipper Gets Dismissed In Asia Cup 2022 Clash vs Hong Kong