The flamboyant Indian opener KL Rahul is finally found some runs under his belt as he scored back to back half-centuries to make his case forward for the forthcoming World Cup. Rahul is currently leading the India A side for the Test series against England Lions. Battling his poor form, he has finally stamped his authority scoring 81 runs off 166 deliveries on Wednesday to give his team a perfect start.
Rahul had commenced the unofficial Test series on a sensational note with 89 runs off 192 deliveries in the first Test against the Lions. However, the game ended in a draw. He followed up his 89-run knock with another 81 in the second Test to continue his good run and that can his credentials for a spot in the World Cup squad with just a handful of ODIs left before the much-anticipated event.
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In his 81-run knock on Wednesday, Rahul scored eleven boundaries and posted a 178-run stand combining with his partner Abhimanyu Easwaran (117). The duo got India A off to a much-needed start. Priyank Panchal (50) slammed a half-century and added 74 runs for the second wicket with Easwaran. India A posted 282 runs for the loss of three wickets at the end of day’s play.
With Rahul Dravid supervising things in the India A circuit, KL Rahul’s return to form is another great example of Dravid’s contribution to the young generation of Indian cricket.
Meanwhile, there were some reports suggesting that the Karnataka opener may get a final opportunity against Australia to see if he can be India’s reserve opener in the most prestigious event of the year. The final team selection is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Friday (15th February) and this remains to be seen if his candidature is actually put forward.
The head of the Indian selection committee, MSK Prasad suggested that he was disappointed seeing KL Rahul’s drop in form, but believes that he is still in the scheme of things for the mega event. It will be interesting to see if Rahul’s recent form helps him with a place in India side ahead of Ajinkya Rahane, who is also in contention for the World Cup. Rahane is currently captaining Rest of India side in the Irani Cup and could contribute just 13 runs with the bat in first innings.
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With a day to got for the selection to happen, the duo will try to put their best foot forward on any and every opportunity that knocks their door.
