KL Rahul Doesn't have Many Games Left to Fight for World Cup Spot - Harsha Bhogle
Updated - 04 Feb 2019, 12:31 PM
Cricket Analyst and commentator, Harsha Bhogle has reckoned KL Rahul doesn’t have too many games to fight for a spot for the 2019 World Cup. As India completed a 4-1 win over New Zealand in the ODI series, they seemed to have slotted 13 of their 15-man WC squad. Meanwhile, Harsha thinks on the same line adding only two places are up for the grabs for which four players will be fighting for – Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar and one opener, which he presumed to be KL Rahul.
Since Australia is due to tour India for five ODIs before the IPL 2019 begins; the board would like to test the players to fill the vacant places in India’s World Cup squad.
Will KL get picked? Harsha answers
Looking at the current setup of the Indian team for the mega event in England, only two places; primarily one opener’s and one middle order slot are left to fill. Though Rohit and Shikhar look likely to travel to England, the Men in Blue would need a backup opener.
Here Harsha Bhogle opines KL could be the third best bet for India, but he doesn’t have too many matches to press his case for the selection. Bhogle said,
“13 of the 15 World Cup spots are now filled. There are two batting slots left and Karthik, Pant, Vijay Shanker and an opener would be in contention. Still think the team needs another but my choice, KL Rahul, doesn’t have too many games left to fight for one of those two spots.”
13 of the 15 World Cup spots are now filled. There are two batting slots left and Karthik, Pant, Vijay Shanker and an opener would be in contention. Still think the team needs another but my choice, KL Rahul, doesn't have too many games left to fight for one of those two spots.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 3, 2019
Moreover, with Rayudu coming good in the final ODI in Wellington, thoughts over the fourth number slot have been put to rest. Plus, MS Dhoni’s purple patch in 2019 has convinced the selectors to keep the veteran’s place intact in the team. Coming lower down the order, Kedar and Hardik have proved their credentials; thus remaining sure to play the 2019 World Cup.
Pant, Vijay or DK – Who will fill the one spot?
Meanwhile, India could be looking forward to adding one more batsman to settle the debate. In the middle order, one of the three batsmen could fix the place; naming Pant, DK and Vijay Shankar. So, the ODI series against Australia could provide the best chance for the players to show their talent and vouch for their selection.
Tagged:
Harsha Bhogle India National Cricket Team KL Rahul Rishabh Pant Vijay Shankar
