Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has said that there is no guarantee that wicket-keeping batter KL Rahul will be fit for any matches in the 2023 Asia Cup. Rahul has been ruled out of the first two matches of the tournament.
Asia Cup 2023: Full Coverage
Speaking to Star Sports, Kaif said there is no guarantee that Rahul will be fit during the knockout stages of the 2023 Asia Cup. India head coach confirmed that Rahul will not travel with the rest of the team to Sri Lanka for India’s opening match against Pakistan on September 2 at Kandy.
“This means KL Rahul’s injury could aggravate. If he is unfit now, there is no guarantee that he will be fit after two games. The news is not good for Indian fans because Rahul plays very well at No. 5 in ODIs. His stats are very good,” said Kaif.
He went on to say that Rahul provides a finishing touch for India while batting in the middle order, adding that he knows how to stabilize the innings. Rahul was included in the 17-member Asia Cup squad but a fresh niggle that is unrelated to the thigh injury that he suffered has ruled him out of the opening two matches.
“He knows how to shift gears, is able to play big shots, and knows how to stabilize innings. You won’t get a replacement even if you play Ishan Kishan. Apart from wicket-keeping, Rahul also provides a finishing touch,” Kaif added.
Kaif said the Kandy pitch will suit India opener Shubman Gill as he loves pace and bounce. Gill managed to score just 102 runs in five matches against the West Indies in the five-match T20I series.
“Gill’s form has slightly dropped. He didn’t fare well on the West Indies tour, but I think the Kandy pitch will suit him. He loves pace and bounce. The ball will move, so the challenge will always be there for the top 3,” said Kaif.
Asia Cup 2023 gets underway with Pakistan’s clash against Nepal in Multan on August 30. India begin their campaign in Pallekele against Pakistan on September 2 and then take on Nepal at the same venue on September 4.
