The former Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria reckons that the Indian vice-captain KL Rahul shouldn’t be picked in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, as he doesn’t have any match practice under his belt at the moment.
According to Danish Kaneria, who was speaking on his YouTube channel, Asia Cup is a big and high-pressure tournament and to have someone in the squad for such a big tournament without match practice is a selection risk that India shouldn’t take.
KL Rahul was actually named the captain of India for the home T20I series against South Africa right after the IPL, but he had to withdraw from the series because of a groin injury, as he was suggested surgery for permanent healing of the problem which was resurfacing time and again.
Rahul underwent the surgery in Germany and then started his recovery and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The 30-year-old was all set to travel with the Indian team for a 5-match T20I series in West Indies, but he had to withdraw from that series as well, as he tested positive for COVID right before the squad had to take the flight to the Caribbean.
KL Rahul wasn’t included in the Indian squad for Zimbabwe ODIs as his recovery from COVID was not quick enough
The recovery from COVID was then not quick enough for Rahul to play in the ODI series against Zimbabwe and he was kept out of that squad as well. However, he is now reportedly 100% fit and likely to be included in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup.
India likely to announce their squad for the Asia Cup by Monday. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul set to return.
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What Danish Kaneria is saying about Rahul’s lack of match practice is true in the sense that he has not played any professional cricket at all since his last match in the previous IPL, which concluded about three months ago.
But, the quality that KL Rahul has got as a batsman, even a few hits in the net sessions ahead of the Asia Cup might be good enough for him to get into the groove for the first game against Pakistan.
