IND vs AFG: Has KL Rahul Been Dropped? Aakash Chopra Demands Clarity On Wicketkeeper’s Absence

Reputed cricket commentator Aakash Chopra has demanded clarity on KL Rahul’s absence from the IND vs AFG T20I series. Aakash Chopra said that selectors have given no reasons about why KL Rahul was dropped for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.

India vs Afghanistan T20I series will kickstart Team India’s preparation for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament is scheduled to be played in June in the West Indies and the US. Interestingly, the Indian team will play just three T20Is against Afghanistan ahead of the tournament.

Team India is scheduled to face England in 5 Tests from January to March. Later, all players with be busy with IPL 2024. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back in the squad for the IND vs AFG T20I series, KL Rahul was sidelined from the squad.

Also Read: “No Selector Has Guts To Include Rohit Sharma And Drop Virat Kohli..”- Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra Demands Clarity On KL Rahul’s Absence From IND vs AFG T20Is

While speaking on his YouTube channel, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said that there is no clarity as to why KL Rahul from dropped from the squad for the IND vs AFG T20I series.

“Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul were India’s top three in the T20 World Cup 2022. Of these, Rahul has not been included. Or he has been dropped. There is no clarity on what has happened. But he’s not there. There can be a discussion on that too”, the former India opener said.

Also Read: IND vs AFG: Ishan Kishan’s T20Is Future In Jeopardy As The Selection Committee Includes Jitesh Sharma And Sanju Samson

KL Rahul Can Play In The Middle In T20Is: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra, who played 10 Tests for India, also noted that KL Rahul can play in the middle-order in T20Is if not opener.

“Rahul’s numbers in T20 cricket, his strike rate is over 135, which is not bad. Even if the opener’s role is unavailable, you can play him in the middle like how it is for ODIs. You did it for Tests too,” the 46-year-old further said.

KL Rahul was dropped as an opener from T20Is last year as players like Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad stole the spot. Even Yashasvi Jaiswal was appointed as opener in many games last year.

However, Rahul has been a dominant force in Tests and ODIs. After Rishabh Pant’s ouster, Rahul switched to the wicketkeeper’s role for India in the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: “Absolutely No Doubt” – MSK Prasad Backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli For WC

KL Rahul Led Team Against South Africa In ODI Series

He also led the ODI team in the previous series against South Africa in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Under Rahul, the team won the series 2-1. Later, Rahul also featured in the Test series against South Africa. The right-handed batsman shattered a ton in the opening Test.

Now, since Rahul is not part of the IND vs AFG T20I series, his inclusion in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad later this year is doubtful. Like Sharma and Kohli, Rahul did not feature in any T20I games last year. Now, he will need to prove his value in IPL 2024 to grab a place in the squad.

ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will be played from June 1 to June 19. The schedule of the tournament was released by ICC a few days ago. India is part of Group A with teams like Pakistan, the US, Canada, and Ireland.