'Sometimes his legs are shackled': Former India batter explains why KL Rahul is behind in the race
Former India cricketer
Aakash Chopra
believes
KL Rahul
remains a serious contender for the upcoming Asia Cup but admitted that the 33-year-old batter's inconsistent approach is holding him back from sealing a spot in India's T20I setup.
The 2025 Asia Cup will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: 'He is a good player. If you see his IPL numbers, they are outstanding. In the recent past, no player has been a 600-run bank like him. However, a reputation has developed that he plays very slow at times. If something is stopping him, it's his own mindset. Sometimes his legs are shackled, and when the mindset is right, he flies with wings.'
Poll
Should KL Rahul change his batting approach to secure a spot in the T20I setup?
Yes, he needs to be more aggressive
No, his current style works for him
Chopra praised Rahul's ability to dominate world-class bowling when in full flow, recalling a special strike against Jasprit Bumrah in Indore. 'I remember a shot when he hit Bumrah for a six over cover, and I was like wow. However, then you also get knocks when you feel he should hit, but he thinks differently,' he added.
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Despite his quality, Chopra noted that Rahul faces stiff competition for the top order. 'He cannot play as an opener because the opening story has ended for now.
Sanju Samson
is there with Abhishek Sharma,
Yashasvi Jaiswal
is behind them, and Shubman Gill is also in line.
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If Rahul has to make a case, it would be as a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter, but Chopra pointed out that Jitesh Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and even Ishan Kishan are ahead in the pecking order.
Chopra concluded that Rahul's place hinges on whether he can shed his conservative reputation and bring his 'pro-max' game to the fore.
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