Former Indian selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed his dissatisfaction with the selection of KL Rahul after current chief of selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that the wicket-keeper batters’ inclusion in India’s first game against Pakistan is doubtful in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
“It’s being said that KL Rahul has a niggle. If you have a niggle, don’t pick him in the squad. If a player is not fit during selection, you shouldn’t pick him,” said Srikkanth on his official YouTube channel.
That was our policy. On the day of selection, if a player is not fit, don’t select him,” added Srikkanth.
“If you want to pick him for the World Cup, select him for the World Cup. That’s a different issue. Now they are saying that he might play after a couple of matches, and that’s why we have picked Sanju Samson as a travelling reserve. What’s all this.” he explained.
Ishan Kishan is the second-choice wicket-keeper in the squad. “KL has picked up a small niggle; that’s why Sanju is with us,” Agarakar had revealed in a recent press conference.
Rahul suffered a thigh injury earlier this year in the Indian Premier League, which kept him out of the game. However, Agarkar would confirm that the niggle differs from his injury in IPL.
The 31-year-old has been prolific with the gloves and batting at number five for the Indian side in ODI cricket. In 18 innings, he scored 742 runs at an average of 53.17 and a strike rate of 99.33 and the team management was hopeful that he would fit and fire for the World Cup later in India.
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