Former India player Venkatesh Prasad disclosed that he privately offered prayers for KL Rahul‘s triumph before the Asia Cup and World Cup. Even though he had been a strong opponent of KL Rahul, he admitted to quietly wishing for the success of the wicketkeeper-batsman, who is set to return during the 2023 Asia Cup.
On Monday, star batsman KL Rahul was included in the 17-player Team India squad for the approaching continental tournament, slated to begin on August 30th in Multan. Notably, former vice-captain Rahul secured a spot in the Asia Cup squad despite dealing with a minor injury.
One day after Rahul was chosen by the Indian management for the major tournament, former Indian bowler Prasad posted a photo with famed actor Suniel Shetty, who happens to be the star cricketer’s father-in-law. Prasad mentioned that they made a special trip to the Swami Narayan temple in New Jersey. Sharing on X (formerly called Twitter) on Tuesday, Prasad expressed his desire for Rahul to prove his critics wrong in the World Cup.
“Went to the Swami Narayan temple in New Jersey with Anna. Prayed for the welfare of all fellow Indians and for the Indian Team’s success in the World Cup. Also, silently wished for KL to hit the ball all over the place, excel in the world cup, and quiet critics like me. May everyone stay happy,” Prasad conveyed.
Visited the Swami Narayan temple in New Jeresy with Anna.
Prayed for well being of all Bharatvasis & for the Indian Team to do well in the World Cup. Also secretely prayed for KL to smash it to all corners, have a great world cup and silence his critics like me.
Sab khush rahein. pic.twitter.com/CcVQif41yK— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 22, 2023
KL Rahul is expected to play a key role for India in the upcoming mega event
Not too distant in time, Prasad strongly criticized Rahul for his poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following a slump in Test cricket, Rahul lost his vice-captain role in Team India. Later, an injury in an IPL 2023 match led to his absence from the whole tournament and the ICC World Test Championship final. Competitive cricket has been absent from the 32-year-old’s schedule since IPL 2023.
While unveiling India’s Asia Cup squad, chief selector Ajit Agarkar disclosed that Rahul has encountered a minor issue before his anticipated return.
“It is not the original injury. There is a niggle. That is why Sanju is travelling (to Sri Lanka). We are expecting Rahul to be fit. If not the start of Asia Cup may be by the second or the third game. Shreyas Iyer is fully fit,” Agarkar said.
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