Team India set the stage for their T20 World Cup preparations with a resounding victory against Afghanistan in the recently concluded T20I series. Marking the return of skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli to the T20I format after a 14-month hiatus, their inclusion in India’s squad for the marquee event seems imminent. However, uncertainties loom over the selection of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.
The emergence of potential batters like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and explosive wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma during the Afghanistan series has added depth to India’s batting lineup. This raises the challenge for Rahul to secure a spot in the squad. Aakash Chopra, former India opener, suggests that Rahul’s path to the World Cup team hinges on his performance at No. 4 in the IPL 2024. Despite leading the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants as an opener, Rahul faces stiff competition for his place.
Aakash Chopra further said: “You might see KL Rahul at No. 4. If he wants to play the World Cup, he probably needs to bat at No. 4. You might see one among Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni and Prerak Mankad playing at No. 3. They have plenty of options available to get the work done.”
“After No. 4, they have Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, and Ayush Badoni along with Krunal Pandya down the order. Suddenly you see a lot of depth in the batting. So they have prepared a very good team.”
In today's Cricket Chaupaal we analyze whether KL Rahul will play the role of a middle-order batsman or not. And an in-depth review of Lucknow Super Giant's strategy and squad for the upcoming #IPL2024. 🏏
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 22, 2024
📺: https://t.co/fkF7bwI2zT#KLRahul #LucknowSuperGiant #IPLStrategy pic.twitter.com/THqzQ2ZYuP
Having missed the T20Is against Afghanistan, Rahul now gears up for action in the five-match Test series against England, starting on January 25 in Hyderabad. This platform becomes crucial for him to showcase his skills and stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad, adding an extra layer of anticipation to his upcoming performances.
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