Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar said that it would be prudent to designate K.L. Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batsman for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to commence on August 30 in Pakistan-Sri Lanka. In an exclusive conversation with Star Sports, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar weighed in on the pivotal role of KL Rahul in Team India's preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
With an astute assessment of the team's dynamics, Bangar delved into the critical consideration of KL Rahul's involvement as a wicketkeeper-batsman and how this strategic decision aligns with India's quest for balance and performance. Bangar spoke about KL Rahul’s role in Team India for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, he said “I think keeper batter because no one bowls in the top 5 of team India, so it means if you want 6 bowling options you should have a player in your top 5 who can bowl or he should be a wicket-keeper batsman. So, I feel if KL Rahul plays the role of a wicket-keeper batsman, I believe then only he should be considered in the playing XI because in that way the team's balance will be maintained." He further said, "If Kl Rahul is not fit as a batsman then Ishan Kishan has done nothing wrong because he is a better wicket-keeper and also a regular wicket-keeper.
So, in the 50 over format game wherever India is going to play you will obviously want a fit and number one wicket keeper to play in the starting XI rather than considering a player who is half fit or who feels that he can be injured again. "Rahul's absence had left a big void in the middle order, where Rahul boasts of some really solid numbers. Following Pant's accident and some disappointing performances at the top of the order, Rahul was being used as a number-five batter. In 18 ODIs he has played as a number five batter, he has scored 742 runs at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 99.33. He has one century and seven half-centuries in this position, with the best score of 112. This year Rahul has featured in two Tests, scoring 38 runs in three innings with the best score of 20. He has had a better record in ODIs this year, scoring 226 runs in six innings at an average of 56.50, with two half-centuries and best score of 75*.
