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Seasoned cricketer KL Rahul, entrusted with the leadership role in India’s ODI team for the upcoming multi-format tour against South Africa, finds himself omitted from the T20I squad, sparking intrigue among cricket enthusiasts. Notably, Suryakumar Yadav, fresh from his triumphant leadership in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia, has again been entrusted to lead the charge of Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game.
Despite being at the helm of the ODI team, Rahul’s absence from the T20I lineup has raised eyebrows, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the rationale behind this decision.
Addressing the conspicuous absence of Rahul from the T20 squad set to face the Proteas, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his insightful analysis, has offered insights into the team management’s thought process behind this surprising decision.
Sanjay Manjrekar on KL Rahul’s absence from the T20I squad
Manjrekar highlighted that the selectors seem to have recognized that Rahul’s performances in significant T20 matches, such as the T20 World Cup, may not be as impactful as compared to the other exciting options available.
“Basically what’s happened is KL Rahul’s performances in the major T20 matches, the T20 World Cup for example, they have realized that they have got more exciting options than KL Rahul in T20 cricket,” Manjrekar said while speaking on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.
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Manjrekar on Rahul’s impact in ODI
Manjrekar acknowledged that Rahul has been exceptional in the 50-over World Cup (CWC 2023) and remains a viable option in Test matches, particularly as a keeper. However, the latter suggested that the wicket-keeper batter might be slightly out of favour with selectors in T20 cricket.
“However, I thought he was superb in the 50-over World Cup, so he is back there, and in Test matches, obviously an option as a keeper as well. So, I think at the moment, slightly out of favour with the selectors when it comes to T20 cricket,” the Mysore-born cricketer added.
