In and out, KL Rahul in doubt

India’s batsman-wicketkeeper KL ruled out of first two Asia Cup games due to niggle, leaving cricket fraternity surprised; head coach Dravid says it’s a cautious move with World Cup in mind

Reacting to the news of India batsman-wicketkeeper KL Rahul not being fit for the first part of the Asia Cup, former Mumbai captain and chief selector Milind Rege remarked: “If he [Rahul] is selected, he should be available for all games. We have to be fair to everybody and the same rule should apply to every player.”

When asked about Rahul’s ’keeping and whether he should be behind the stumps in the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Rege said: “No, I think that place should go to a proper ’keeper because we are playing on Indian pitches. These are different pitches and on these wickets, the ball may turn or may not turn, so we need a genuine ’keeper. Ishan Kishan will be my choice as wicketkeeper.”

Rahul Dravid

Rahul was announced as part of the 17-member squad, but the name of Sanju Samson was mentioned a travelling stand-by player.

According to PTI, Rahul has been, “ruled out of the first two matches of the upcoming Asia Cup due to a “niggle” not only delaying his much-anticipated return to the Indian team but also raising doubts about his availability for the ODI World Cup, starting October 5.”

The report quoted head coach Rahul Dravid as saying in a pre-departure press conference: “KL has had a good week with us. He is playing well. He is progressing really well but he will be unavailable for the first part — for the Kandy leg of the trip. He will be unavailable for the first two games.” Rahul will stay back at the National Cricket Academy. A decision on his Asia Cup will be taken on September 4.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Is India's squad truly all-encompassing?

NCA to look after Rahul

“The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. We will reassess on the 4th (September) and take it from there. But signs are looking good,” Dravid added.

Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Yajurvindra Singh said, “They [selectors] have gone for safety. Nobody wants to take a chance. [But] I have seen that proven talent has not worked in the last 10 years. Every time in a big tournament, we have gone for Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and so many players, hoping that experienced players make us win. But I think we have to think beyond. Give the youngsters a chance; try them out. Every time you just can’t go for safety. It’s not fair to youngsters. You need to play at least two domestic matches to prove [match fitness]. Apparently, they [KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer] played some side matches somewhere.”

The 1979 World Cupper added: “The first match [against Pakistan] is not crucial at all. It has no relevance and this is the time they should try youngsters for the first match at least. We will anyway qualify as we will beat Nepal.”

Erstwhile Mumbai fast bowler and selector Pradeep Kasliwal underlined Rahul is a quality player and him arriving later in the tournament will be beneficial. “He is a true all-rounder—a good opening batsman and equally useful at No.3. Having him in the team, we’ll get a good wicketkeeper-batsman and an experienced campaigner,” said Kasliwal.
The three former cricketers spoke to mid-day on the sidelines of ex-India team manager Amrit Mathur’s book (Pitchside) release function at the Cricket Club of India on Tuesday.

‘KL is batting well’

Dravid also said, “It’s just two less games from our perspective. KL is batting well. Slightly more cautious approach leading into the World Cup. He will have a few match simulations in the next few days. We’re hoping it will be only two games he misses and he’ll  be back for the later stages. We also have an Australia series.” 

With inputs from PTI

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