IND vs HK: "If You Expect Too Much Too Soon, It Will Create Problems": Saba Karim Advises India To Be Patient With KL Rahul And Virat Kohli

Saba Karim, a former Indian wicketkeeper and selector, feels Team India must be patient with star batsmen KL Rahul and Virat Kohli if they are to come back to their best.

Rahul has struggled with the bat since making his international return against Zimbabwe last month. He was out on the first ball of India’s Asia Cup 2022 opening against Pakistan. Despite scoring 36 runs in their following encounter against Hong Kong, the opener struggled during his 39-ball stay at the crease.

On Wednesday (August 31) in Dubai, Kohli hit an unbeaten 59 off 44 deliveries to help the Men in Blue set a 193-run goal for Hong Kong. The Indian bowlers then held Nizakat Khan and company to 152/5 to win the game by 40 runs, becoming the second side after Afghanistan to advance to the Super 4 round.

When Kohli got his eye in, he quickly picked up the pace after starting slowly. A single four and three sixes were included in his 59 runs from 44 deliveries.

I agree that we could have scored 15-20 runs more: Saba Karim

Saba Karim emphasized how difficult it is for any player to find their rhythm after recovering from an injury or a break. After India’s 40-run victory over Hong Kong, the former keeper expressed his reservations about Rahul and Kohli’s performance to India News Sports as follows:

“The ball was halting a little bit early since the wicket was new. I think that we might have scored 15-20 more runs, but you must realize that KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are two players who are returning to the team after a lengthy absence,” Saba Karim said.

“If you anticipate too much too quickly, it will cause problems for your team. You need to nurture your seasoned players when they return from a sabbatical.”

Next, India will face the winner of the September 2 match between Pakistan and Hong Kong.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Ravindra Jadeja Becomes India’s Most Successful Bowler In Tournament History