Asia Cup 2023: Who Will Replace KL Rahul in Team India?
KL Rahul has been ruled out of the first two matches of Asia Cup 2023.
Team India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, confirmed on Tuesday, August 29th, that KL Rahul will not be available for selection in the first two matches of the Asia Cup 2023.
While KL Rahul has recuperated from the injury he suffered during the Indian Premier League 2023, there are reports that he is now carrying a niggle, which requires some time for recovery.
Even as KL Rahul experienced a decline in his performance in T20 and Test cricket, leading to his exclusion from the Indian team in those two formats, he continued to shine in ODIs, especially at the number five spot.
His outstanding record in this role emphasises the considerable impact his absence will cast upon the Indian team. Now the question arises, who will take KL Rahul’s place in the first two matches of the 2023 Asia Cup for Team India?
Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson – Who Will Replace KL Rahul at No.5 for India?
Team India has gone with Ishan Kishan as the secondary wicket-keeper batter. However, the challenge emerges as he typically occupies the top-order batting slot, and it’s unclear if he can seamlessly transition to the middle order in lieu of KL Rahul.
Another exceptional alternative comes in the shape of Sanju Samson, who has been picked as a travel reserve backup and not in the main squad of team India. Sanju Samson possesses wicket-keeping skills and is equally adept at middle-order batting.
However, it remains to be seen whether Team India will consider utilising Sanju Samson, currently part of the backup reserve, or if they will proceed with Ishan Kishan in the middle order.
Team India will kick off its Asia Cup 2023 campaign against the arch-rivals Pakistan on September 02 at Pallekele Stadium. Following it, they will face Nepal on September 04 at the same venue.
