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KL Rahul‘s impressive batting form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 wasn’t enough to secure him a spot in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
In the IPL 2024 season, Rahul has amassed 406 runs in 10 matches, featuring three half-centuries. He stands out as the sole wicketkeeper-batter to surpass 400 runs this season, achieving these runs at a strike rate of 142.96.
The BCCI selection committee’s decision has raised eyebrows among some fans and cricket pundits.
Possible reasons behind KL Rahul’s omission
1. Middle-Order Conundrum: With players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya already established in the middle order, Rahul, who primarily opens the batting, might not have fit seamlessly. The team might be prioritizing flexibility with players who can adapt to different batting positions.
2. Return of Rishabh Pant: The return of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant from injury added another dimension to the selection headache. While Rahul can keep wickets, Pant’s explosive batting in the middle order might have been a more compelling choice.
3. Form Over Familiarity: Sanju Samson‘s red-hot form in the ongoing IPL might have been a deciding factor. The selectors have opted for a player in peak form over Rahul, who hasn’t played a T20I for India since the 2022 World Cup.
4. Strike Rate Considerations: While Rahul has a decent average in T20Is, his strike rate might not have been what the selectors were looking for in a T20 World Cup squad, where aggressive batting is often crucial.
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It’s important to note that the selection committee prioritized various factors beyond just player’s recent IPL performance. Team balance, player form in international matches, and tactical flexibility all play a role in these crucial decisions.
KL Rahul can still make it to India’s T20 World Cup squad
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed all boards to make necessary changes to their preliminary squads till May 25, meaning there is still a ray of hope that Rahul can make it to India’s final 15.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side will start their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York, and lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in a blockbuster encounter at the same venue on June 9.
