Asia Cup 2023: "If You Have A Niggle, Don't Pick Him In The Squad" - Kris Srikkanth Slams Selectors Over KL Rahul's inclusion
Published - 23 Aug 2023, 03:17 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM
Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth criticized the selectors’ decision to include wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Kris Srikkanth emphasized that the selectors should only pick players if they are fully fit during the selection process.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that KL Rahul is carrying a niggle while announcing the squad. Agarkar admitted that Rahul would miss at least two games in the tournament, including the India-Pakistan encounter. Sanju Samson was named as his backup player in the squad.
Being Said That KL Rahul Has A Niggle – Krish Srikkanth
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth questioned the decision to name Sanju Samson as a reserve in the squad for the continental tournament.
“It’s being said that KL Rahul has a niggle. If you have a niggle, don’t pick him in the squad. If a player is not fit during selection, you shouldn’t pick him. That was our policy. On the day of selection, if a player is not fit, don’t select him,” Srikkanth said.
“If you want to pick him for the World Cup, select him for the World Cup. That’s a different issue. Now they are saying that he might play after a couple of matches and that’s why we have picked Sanju Samson as a travelling reserve. What’s all this,” he added.
Rahul sustained a thigh injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was ruled out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. He underwent surgery and is currently recovering from the injury.
Our Selection Panel Decided Not To Be Desperate – Kris Srikkanth
Kris Srikkanth recalled a selection where their panel decided not to pick an unfit VVS Laxman in the Test series against South Africa.
“We had this problem during a Test match. It was against a Test vs South Africa. VVS Laxman said he would play if he gets fit in time and urged us to keep him in the team. But on the day of the match, he was not fit. And then we thought of drafting Rohit Sharma in.
But Rohit played football and injured himself. After that, Wriddhiman Saha made his debut. On that day, our selection panel decided not to be desperate. On the day of selection, if you’re not fit, don’t pick that player. You’re making it look as though Indians don’t have talent. You have created a situation like that.”
Srikkanth served as chief selector for the Indian cricket team between 2008 and 2012. The Men in Blue won the 2011 World Cup at home during his tenure.
