Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif has opened up on wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul’s fitness update for the Asia Cup. The veteran cricketer-turned-commentator shared his doubts over Rahul’s fitness for the Super 4 games as well. He said this after India head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that KL Rahul has been ruled out of the group-stage games against Pakistan and Nepal in the Asia Cup. He further opined on the significance of Rahul’s batting in the middle order. He also added that Ishan Kishan won’t be able to fill the hole created by Rahul at No. 5.
On this, Kaif told Star Sports: “(On KL Rahul’s absence) It means his 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. 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 wicketkeeping, Rahul also provides a finishing touch.”
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However, KL Rahul has been sensational with the bat at No. 5, having scored 742 runs in 18 innings at an average of 53, including eight half-centuries as well. Kishan, on the other hand, has played six ODIs at No. 4, scoring just 106 runs which came at an average of 21.20, including a lone fifty. He, however, recently smashed three consecutive fifty against the West Indies.
Kaif said: “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.”
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However, Mohammad Kaif further warned Team India’s top three batters – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli – against Pakistan’s terrific pace trio. He again said that the top three will have to overcome the threat of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah as well.
“The first game is against Pakistan. There’s Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are good bowlers. It will be a big battle. The preparation is very good,” he concluded.
