Asia Cup 2022 LIVE – KL Rahul Perfecto Opener says Anshuman Gaekwad: The Indian cricket team has seen a whole lot of experiments when it comes to opener. Even Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav and others have opened in the shorter format for India. But the former India coach, Anshuman Gaekwad believes that the openers is a specialised role and KL Rahul is best suited at the moment for the slot in the Asia Cup and also the T20 World Cup. Follow Asia Cup Cricket LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Also Read: Asia CUP India Squad: Squad announced, KL Rahul returns as Vice Captain, Bumrah RULED OUT
It is important to note that the management has experimented with different players as Rahul was not available.
The Karnataka batter has been away from the game since IPL 2022. He went under the knife for a sport hernia problem in mid-June. The player also contracted Covid 19 last month, making his absence even longer.
“I know there are players like Surya, Pant, who might have opened in the last few matches. You need to remember opening is specialised role. Be it any format, you need specialised batter and you need the right batter,” Gaekwad told InsideSport.
“KL Rahul has a good technique and also, he has scored runs at the top. Having somebody like Rahul, it becomes others (youngsters) in the team as well. It is advantageous for both the player and the team.”
Rock in Asia Cup 🔥🥵#ViratKohli𓃵 #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/h6nKKwFklL
— Lordgod_KLRahul 😈 (@LordGod188) August 14, 2022
Why KL Rahul is the best choice
- After Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul is the best opener India have in limited overs cricket in the present bunch
- KL Rahul is one of the most experienced at the top
- The Karnataka batter has found major success as an opener
- He has the ability to play in all conditions and on all surfaces
- He can play as per the situation of the game
- With the T20 World Cup in Australia, India needs someone with good technique as well
With the T20 World Cup also scheduled for October in Australia, Rahul is looked upon as the opener. Hence, before the Asia cup, KL Rahul will have a good chance to assess his match fitness and also get back to scoring ways as India face Zimbabwe in the ODI series, starting August 18.
In fact, India playing against Zimbabwe is a welcome sign. They are not expected to trouble the Indian batters much in the series. That would allow Rahul, who will lead the side in the African nation, to gain confidence ahead of the important series in UAE and Australia.
“It is the best opportunity for KL Rahul to try himself. These are the kind of series, where you can establish yourself even if you are out of form or anything, like trying your fitness levels,” Gaekwad added.
“There is no pressure in such kind of series. This is the best series for him to play after a break. When I mean such series means, playing Zimbabwe is not like playing Australia, England.”
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