ICC World Cup 2023: "He Will Become A Very Useful Player In The ODI Format" - Ishant Sharma On KL Rahul

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma said that KL Rahul’s role as both wicketkeeper and batter will be crucial if Rishabh Pant misses the upcoming ODI World Cup at home. Ishant Sharma highlighted that KL Rahul will be a valuable asset to the team in the ODI format as he can keep the stumps.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently provided a medical update on KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who are recovering from their respective injuries. According to the report, Rahul has started batting at the nets and is currently undergoing strength and fitness drills at the NCA.

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Give The Wicketkeeper’s Role To KL Rahul – Ishant Sharma

During a discussion on JioCinema, Ishant Sharma emphasized the importance of KL Rahul‘s role as a wicketkeeper and batter in the middle order.

“Absolutely, if Rishabh Pant is not there, that slot becomes very important. He (Rahul) was batting at No. 4 or No. 5 in any case and scoring runs,”Ishant told Jio Cinema.

“If you don’t have a wicketkeeper, you can play an extra batter and give the wicketkeeper’s role to KL Rahul. So, obviously, he will become a very useful player in the ODI format,” he added.

The BCCI report added that Rishabh Pant has also started batting and keeping in the nets. However, the left-handed batter is unlikely to participate in any competitive cricket in the near future.

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He Has Been In Excellent Form – Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer stated that KL Rahul will be included in the squad after getting match-ready.

“He is a very important player for this team. He has been in excellent form, especially in the ODI format in the last one or two years,” Jaffer stated.

“He is a wicketkeeper and can bat both up and down the order but he has performed exceptionally well at No. 5. So if he gets fit, I think he will straightaway walk into the side,” he added.

KL Rahul has been impressive in the middle order in ODIs, scoring 1048 runs at an average of 49.7 in 26 matches. Overall, the right-handed batter has scored 1986 runs at an average of 45.13 in 54 matches. He could be aiming to make a comeback to the national team during the Asia Cup 2023.