Sanjay Bangar’s Verdict On KL Rahul: The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is sweating it out ahead of the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 which begins on August 30th. Team India will kickstart their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 in Pallekele. Ahead of the tournament, Team India is gathered in Alur for a conditioning camp comprising various fitness routines.
In the conditioning camp comprising various fitness routines, 15 high-profile bowlers, including the likes of Umran Malik and Yash Dayal, have been summoned to aid the Indian batters in preparing for the tournament.
On Friday, one of the major highlights of the intense practice session was the comeback man KL Rahul sweating it out. KL Rahul is back into the mix after a few months of injury layoff. He still has a niggle and is expected to be fully fit during the tournament.
As per a report in the Times Of India, Rahul began Friday’s session with conditioning coaches. After warming up and his intense fitness routine, the right-hander had a long batting session during which he didn’t show any signs of discomfort.
Sanjay Bangar Made A Bold Statement On KL Rahul
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has provided insights into the crucial position that KL Rahul holds in Team India’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Bangar explained the vital aspect of KL Rahul serving both as a keeper and a proficient batter. Speaking on the Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar said:
“I think keeper batter because no one bowls in the top 5 of team India, so it means if you want 6 bowling options you should have a player in your top 5 who can bowl or he should be a wicket-keeper batsman. So, I feel if KL Rahul plays the role of a wicket-keeper batsman, I believe then only he should be considered in the playing XI because in that way the team’s balance will be maintained,”
Further, Ajit Agarkar, the Chief Selector, talked about the concerns regarding KL Rahul’s fitness. He mentioned that the 31-year-old player encountered a minor issue during his rehabilitation from a thigh injury. He said:
“If Kl Rahul is not fit as a batsman then Ishan Kishan has done nothing wrong because he is a better wicket-keeper and also a regular wicket-keeper. So, in the 50 over format game wherever India is going to play you will obviously want a fit and number one wicket keeper to play in the starting XI rather than considering a player who is half fit or who feels that he can be injured again,” Bangar further said.
