KL Rahul has been struggling for quite a while now. Ever since making his comeback to competitive cricket, he hasn't really been at his best. In June this year, he sustained a groin injury and missed England and the West Indies white-ball tours. The right-hander made his comeback in the recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe. Rahul was expected to make big runs against the weakened bowling attack.
However, in the last five games including the two matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022, India's vice-captain hasn't been able to live up to his potential. In the game against Hong Kong, he was expected to go berserk against an inexperienced bowling attack. However, he could only score 39-ball 36. After the game, Suryakumar Yadav, who was the 'Player of the Match', was asked whether Rahul should be part of the playing XI.
In reply, Yadav said 'To aap bol rahe ho KL bhai ko nahin khilana chahiye?'
Watch the video here
Suryakumar Yadav replies to a question on KL Rahul's inclusion in the team. pic.twitter.com/1pVdUvuh0e
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 1, 2022
Talking about Yadav, he scored an unbeaten 68 off just 25 balls including six fours and as many sixes. His innings helped the team reach 192/2 after the Men In Blue were struggling at 94/2 in 13 overs. The game also saw former India skipper Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 59 off 44 balls and coming back to form. In reply, Hong Kong could only score 152/5 at the end of the game, losing the game by 40 runs.
With this win, India joined Afghanistan in the Super Four round. Now, two teams out of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Pakistan can qualify for the next round. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will fight for a spot in the next round on September 1 in Dubai. The winner will advance to the next round while the loser will head home. The last game of the Group stages will be played between Hong Kong and Pakistan on September 2 in Sharjah. Both teams need a win to advance to the next round.