India is a busy cricketing team. It possibly plays more cricket than any other team in the world. The limited overs squad traveled to Ireland, then played in England. From thereon, they traveled to the West Indies and even to the USA. The winning streak has continued for the team. One key player who has been instrumental in India’s rise has been missing from action. KL Rahul has been off the field for all the tours.
Injury issue spoils the KL Rahul party
In the IPL, KL Rahul captains the Lucknow Super Giants. He was splendid this season and helped the new team to make it to the play-offs. However, in the bargain, he suffered an injury in the play-off games. He was out of action for weeks due to a groin injury.
Thereafter, he was supposed to return with the West Indies series, however, he got tested positive for covid. This further delayed his plans to get back into action.
However, with the BCCI announcing the squad for the Asia Cup, Rahul makes a come back into the squad. Whether Rahul is a hundred per cent fit is not yet clear. But, it is hoped that he will be completely fit by the time India take the field for the first game.
Danish Kaneria has differing views
Danish Kaneria, the Pakistani spinner, has recently been active on social media with his cricketing tit-bits. He makes pertinent points about various teams and players. In this case, he feels that Rahul should have been brought back gradually.
On his YouTube channel, Kaneria said “Rahul hasn’t played international cricket for a while, yet he has been picked ahead of Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson, who were playing continuously. Whenever a player is back from injury, you shouldn’t rush him into the XI. He should have been given a bit of time to ease into the team as he is an important player for India in the T20 World Cup,” said Danish Kaneria on his YouTube Channel.”
He further criticized India’s selection and said that they should have gone with the tried and tested Shami instead of newbie Avesh Khan. “I was worried about their pace bowling because the injuries to Bumrah and Harshal meant that they were ruled out of the Asia Cup. Despite knowing that Avesh Khan can be expensive on the slow tracks in UAE, they have gone ahead with him. I feel Mohammad Shami could have been a much better option” said the former Pakistani spinner.
