New Delhi. KL Rahul is entering Asia Cup 2023 after recovering from injury. Rahul, who returned to international cricket after almost 6 months, said that he was hoping to get a place in the playing eleven. I am fully prepared for both batsman and wicketkeeper roles. Rahul made a comeback in the Super-4 match against Pakistan and scored an unbeaten 111 runs. This was his first match for India since March. After this he also took the responsibility of wicketkeeping. He also played both roles against Sri Lanka. Team India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs to reach the final of the Asia Cup. Apart from taking two brilliant catches, Rahul also stumped against Sri Lanka. Scored 39 runs as a batsman.
Speaking to the media after the win against Sri Lanka, KL Rahul said, I am happy with my performance in the last 2 matches. I was a bit nervous at first, but after facing a few balls I felt better. I worked hard during rehab at NCA, which will help him make a successful comeback. He said that I was thinking that I will get a place in the playing eleven and I prepared in the same way. I was confident that I could perform my role well on behalf of the team.
Sweated a lot in NCA
The team management clearly told the 31-year-old KL Rahul that he has to play the role of wicketkeeper along with being a middle-order batsman. Rahul said that the team management told me about my roles that I have to bat in the middle order and also play the role of wicketkeeper. After such messages, he also practiced wicketkeeping extensively at NCA.
Started wicketkeeping in 2019
KL Rahul said that I have been playing the role of wicketkeeper for the last 2 years. So this is not new for me. I started wicketkeeping against Australia in 2019, when Rishabh Pant was injured. I also worked on my wicketkeeping with the coach at NCA. Hope I continue to play both my roles well. Rahul also praised Kuldeep Yadav, India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year, who has returned as a better bowler after making some changes in his technique.
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KL Rahul said I am really enjoying his bowling. He has made some changes in his bowling, due to which he is getting good results. We keep talking about the strategy of dismissing a batsman in the middle of the game. His rhythm in the last two matches was also superb. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet on September 14 in the Super-4 match of the Asia Cup. The team that wins this match will face Team India in the final.
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Tags: Asia Cup, KL Rahul, Team India
First published: September 13, 2023, 13:18 IST