KL Rahul’s “reputation” of not speeding through his innings, according to former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, is the primary reason he was left out of the running for the starting spot in the 2018 Asia Cup. In 2022, Rahul made his final appearance for the Indian T20I team.
A query from one of his audience members prompted Aakash Chopra reaction.
“This is a really fascinating one. Given that he is a skilled player, your query is entirely legitimate. His IPL stats are impressive, as you can see. No player has been a 600-run bank like him in the recent past. But a reputation has grown that he may play extremely slowly at times,” Aakash Chopra said in a YouTube video.
According to the cricket player-turned-commentator, Rahul’s mindset affected how he played his innings in 20 overs.
“His own mentality is the only thing preventing him. His legs can be shackled at times, but when he is in the correct frame of mind, he can fly. I think he’s got the game. I was thinking, “WOW,” when he struck Jasprit Bumrah for a six over cover during a shot on the Indore ground. But you also receive knocks when you think he ought to strike, but he has a different idea,” he noted.
With Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the current openers with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in the wings, Aakash Chopra believes Rahul’s prospects of getting the starting spot are all but gone for the foreseeable future.
“Unfortunately, the starting story has concluded for the time being, thus he is unable to perform as an opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal is below Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, and I’m placing Shubman Gill’s name at number four as well. “There are four people in queue,” he said.
On September 10, India will begin their Asia Cup campaign. The United Arab Emirates, the hosts, will take on the Men in Blue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet announced the team for the 20-over competition.