KL Rahul, who is making a return with the ongoing Asia Cup after being sidelined due to injury and Covid virus, has been the subject of criticism after he failed in both the opening games. While he scored a duck against Pakistan, he seemed even worse against Hong Kong on Wednesday (August 31).
The Indian vice-captain scored a 36 off 39 deliveries at an unacceptable strike-rate of 92.31. On the same wicket, Suryakumar Yadav had a strike-rate of 261.54 and Virat Kohli had 134.09. Rohit Sharma, who opened the innings alongside him, batted at a strike-rate of 161.54.
Fans are bashing the right-handed batter for showing no intent in his innings and even demanding to drop him. In this article, we look at three options who can take up the opening duties if the Men in Blue decides to drop KL Rahul:
1) Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda is a very exciting talent who has been warming the bench as the star-studded Indian side is fully packed. However, he has managed to impress everyone whenever he gets an opportunity to showcase his talent. He has incredible hitting-power which could be useful in the powerplay overs.
The right-handed batter is flexible to bat at any position in the T20s. He even scored a century in the T20I against Ireland. Interestingly, with him being in the XI, the Indian team are yet to lose a match.
2) Rishabh Pant
Another name that the Indian team tested in the opening slot is Rishabh Pant. He is known as a solid middle-order batter who doesn’t need a powerplay to play his naturally aggressive game. However, Pant failed to capitalize on the opportunities provided to him by the management.
But if the situation arises, he is well equipped to demonstrate any bowling line-up on his side. On top of that, he will serve the benefits of a left-handed batter in the line-up.
3) Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli would be a safe option to go with as he is a veteran of the game and is used to opening for his IPL side. If he manages to get an early rhyme, it gets very tough to pick up his wicket as he mostly remains not-out. With him opening the innings, a spot would open up at No.3 which can be grabbed by Suryakumar Yadav or someone else.
It could turn out to be a good move for the defending champions as they can send someone to counter attack against spinners in the middle overs where Kohli and Rohit have lacked a bit in the recent past.
