Just A Little Bit Of Leeway: Sunil Gavaskar On Accusations Of KL Rahul Getting Preferential Treatment From Team India
Published - 06 Sep 2023, 11:36 AM
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The India squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 was announced on Tuesday (September 5). The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel named a 15-member squad for the marquee event. One of the highlights of the squad is the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul.
The selection call has been dividing opinions in the Indian cricket fraternity. The right-handed batsman has not played a competitive match since May after sustaining a thigh injury during IPL 2023. KL Rahul is a part of the India squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 but did not play in the first two games due to a niggle. He is expected to be a part of the playing eleven for India’s first Super 4 game.
But while many are excited for the star batsman’s return in the team ahead of the World Cup, many believe that his inclusion might backfire for the team. The reason behind the skepticism is the lack of match practice for KL Rahul.
Sunil Gavaskar on KL Rahul’s inclusion:
Many have expressed their surprise over KL Rahul getting the nod for the World Cup despite not playing a competitive game since May. There are also murmurs of KL Rahul getting preferential treatment from the team-management and the selectors. Over the years, the Indian team has been accused of favouritism and the latest call has only tarnished their reputation.
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar, however, has a different and interesting take on the matter. The legendary batsman was recently asked about KL Rahul’s inclusion in the team. In reply while speaking on India Today, Gavaskar said: “He is a proven performer with the bat and I think you allow proven performers just a little bit of leeway. That’s exactly what has happened in this instance. Yes, it can be a bit worrying that he hasn’t played any cricket.”
“However, he joins the team in Sri Lanka now. So he will get to play a few matches and there you will see his fitness. There are three ODI games against Australia in the third week of September. So that is again a series where you can see how his fitness is,” he added.
KL Rahul is set to face a stiff challenge from fellow wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan for a place in the playing eleven especially after the latter’s impressive 82-run knock against Pakistan last week.
