IND vs PAK: KL Rahul Unlikely To Retain Place In Playing XI In Upcoming Asia Cup 2023 Clash Against Pakistan - Reports

Indian wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul recently joined the national cricket team for the Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo after fully recovering from his injury. However, KL Rahul is unlikely to get picked in India’s playing XI in their first match in the Super Four stages of the continental tournament.

KL Rahul demonstrated his form by engaging in a productive net session with the team on Thursday. The right-handed batter displayed clean ball-striking, reminiscent of his pre-injury performance. However, his ability to bat and keep 50 overs is the main concern for the team management.

The Karnataka batter last played for India during the ODI series against Australia in March of this year. He sustained a thigh injury in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 and underwent successful surgery in May. He underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

KL Rahul Unlikely To Retain Place In Playing XI – Reports

According to the Indian Express report, KL Rahul appeared comfortable during his practice session and showed no signs of struggling against pace. The batter confidently took on the bowlers and even played lofted shots, including picking short deliveries from outside off over mid-wicket.

The report further stated that Rahul faces the possibility of not being an automatic selection in the playing XI for the next match against Pakistan. During his absence, Ishan Kishan made the most of his chance by scoring 82 runs against Pakistan, despite batting at No. 5 for the first time.

It’s A Good Headache To Have – Ajit Agarkar

While naming India’s World Cup squad,Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar expressed that having both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul as options for the playing XI is a positive situation, and they will compete for a spot in the team.

“I mean it’s a good headache to have. Kishan played well recently, he plays well at the top. KL’s record in ODIs is brilliant. We have two good options. We can pick and choose between the two who will fight for a spot in the team,” Ajit Agarkar said.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is set to face Pakistan in their upcoming match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10. The Men in Blue will lock horns against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on September 12 and 15 at the same venue, respectively.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Irfan Pathan Believes KL Rahul Should Be India’s First-Choice Wicketkeeper-Batter Ahead Of Ishan Kishan