IND vs PAK: Drop KL Rahul Or Dinesh Karthik, Not Rishabh Pant ; Suggests RP Singh For Asia Cup 2022 Success

Asia Cup 2022 defending champions Team India will return to action in the Super Four stage of the tournament when they face arch-rivals Pakistan on September 4. It will be a rematch between both sides after their clash on Sunday (August 28), when India registered a five-wicket victory in Dubai.

The Men in Blue had secured a direct qualification to the Super Four after winning both games in Group A, defeating Hong Kong earlier this week by 40 runs as well.

RP Singh urges selectors to drop KL Rahul from Playing XI

However, the team management has received flak for dropping Rishabh Pant in the clash against Pakistan. Speaking on the matter ex-India pacer RP Singh outright stated in an interaction with India TV, “One of DK (Dinesh Karthik) and KL Rahul needs to be rested and Pant needs to be in the XI. Pant deserves to play. He is a match-winner, and if he performs, he can take India home.”

“In the previous game, DK didn’t keep which left me a little confused. Because he kept the wickets in the first game and so he is your first-choice,” he added.

Interestingly, Pant was recalled in the playing XI against Hong Kong and took over the wicketkeeping role even as Karthik retained his place in the side.

The decision further left many scratching their heads and ahead of the key game against Pakistan, former India bowler Rudra Pratap Singh believes that India need to keep Pant in the XI. When asked who he should replace, the former India pacer had an interesting choice – KL Rahul.

KL Rahul’s body language is lacking; highlights RP Singh

“I feel KL Rahul isn’t showing much promise. When I look at his body language, it feels like he can’t do anything.

“He needs more time. Since coming from injury, his timings and reading of match situations are a little concerning,” said the former India pacer.

Singh concluded by highlighting for India to maintain their successful run at Asia Cup 2022, one of the batters including KL Rahul or Dinesh Karthik should be rested from the Indian playing XI so that the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant can be included in the squad.

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