Asia Cup 2023: 3 Indian Batters Who Might Get Replaced When KL Rahul Comes Back

Team India fans were over the moon when the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup was announced and KL Rahul’s name was there. But, the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar also confirmed that despite getting recovered from his thigh injury, Rahul sustained a niggle in practice sessions. 

Advertisment

Later, head coach, Rahul Dravid confirmed that Rahul would stay in NCA, Bengaluru and if he passed fitness tests, then, he would be flown to Sri Lanka. Now, India have qualified for the ‘Super 4’ stage and Rahul has also passed his fitness test. So, the star batter has already reached Sri Lanka and he is most likely to get included in the playing XI for the upcoming matches.    

Three Indian batters who can be dropped when KL Rahul comes back

Ishan Kishan

Advertisment

Ishan Kishan (Image Source: Twitter)

This young wicket-keeper batter has been having a great Asia Cup so far. In the second match, his batting was not needed but despite some early hiccups, Ishan Kishan looked comfortable behind the stumps.

With the bat, he showed his class when India were in deep trouble against Pakistan in Pallekle on 2 September. He scored 82 runs off 81 balls and stitched a 138-run partnership for the first wicket while batting in the middle order. So, KL Rahul might become Ishan’s direct replacement upon his arrival.   

Advertisment

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer in Asia Cup (Image Source: Twitter)

After a long injury layout, Shreyas Iyer has made a comeback in this ongoing tournament. His numbers in the middle order are enough to determine his importance. But, in two matches, Iyer has failed to make any prominent impressions.

Against Pakistan, he started with some beautiful boundaries but got out on 14 runs off nine balls. Then, against Nepal, fans were left unhappy as he missed a simple catch while fielding at the slips. So, KL Rahul might replace him while the team might look to play both Rahul and Ishan together in the middle order.

Check Here: Asia Cup 2023: 5 Players Who Could Win Player Of The Tournament Awards

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill in Asia Cup (Image Source: Twitter)

This star opener made a horrible start to this ongoing Asia Cup campaign. Against Pakistan, Shubman Gill looked very defensive and despite playing 32 balls, only managed to score 10 runs, including only one four.

But, against Nepal, Gill looked in supreme touch and smashed 67* runs off 62 balls, including eight fours and one six. He and Rohit Sharma put up an unbeaten partnership of 147 runs to win the game by 10 wickets. But, still, Rohit might look to use KL Rahul as an opener in place of him if he wants to play both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan in the playing XI also.

Read Out: 5 Best Bowling Performances of Heath Streak