KL Rahul in T20 cricket is an enigma despite churning out runs season after season in the IPL. The question of strike rate has always hung around him. Do modern T20 has a place for an anchor like him or not is a different debate; however, Rahul has all the shots to play the modern way, which can integrate him into any side, and with his versatility of batting at any number, he is an asset. However, will he be picked for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is to be played in the shorter format? Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra answered on his YouTube channel to a query.
“Very, very interesting one. Your question is absolutely valid because he is a good player. If you see his IPL numbers, they are outstanding. In the recent past, no player has been a 600-run bank like him. However, a reputation has developed that he plays very slow at times,” he responded
“If something is stopping him, it’s his own mindset. Sometimes his legs are shackled, and when the mindset is right, he flies with wings. I feel he has the game. I remember a shot, it was the Indore ground, and he hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six over cover, and I was like wow. However, then you also get knocks when you feel that he should hit, but he thinks differently,” he observed.
“He cannot play as an opener because the opening story has ended, unfortunately, for the time being. Sanju Samson is there with Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal is behind them, and I am putting Shubman Gill’s name also at the fourth spot. Four people are standing in the line,” he said
“Ishan Kishan is saying that he is also there. Everyone wants to open. So there is no place for an opener. You will have to play in the middle order, and there, Jitesh Sharma is one, who has done very well, played an excellent IPL, and made his team win. Sanju Samson is opening at the moment. So a keeper is not required. Dhruv Jurel is also standing behind,” Chopra observed.
