Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris believes that KL Rahul’s return to the Indian team before the Asia Cup 2022 is very good for the team. He called Rahul the match winner on the biggest forums. Rahul has been out of competitive cricket since his inclusion in the IPL 2022 Eliminator in Kolkata on May 25. But Rahul is still India’s most trusted player in the T20 format.
While Rahul has returned to the T20I squad for the Asia Cup, premier opener Ishan Kishan was overlooked by national selectors. Opener Kishan has likely made way for returning Rahul, who is often considered indispensable to the Indian team across all formats. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has also labelled Rahul as an invaluable asset to the Indian team ahead of the Asia Cup 2022.
“It’s a good question. KL Rahul is a simple decision. Probably of all the possible match-ups that we will discuss, I think this was the easiest one. You have seen how valuable he is to the Indian team, to the management and the selectors,” Styris told Sports 18. The former cricketer and full-time pundit also pointed out that Rahul is India’s vice-captain across all formats which makes him a ‘frontline player’.
“So that says that he was always a frontline player in this Indian side and I guess it is unlucky for Ishan Kishan, he has got that left-handed ability which I think they would have loved to have got into the squad if they possibly could have because it is a very right-handed dominant side until to get to someone like Rishabh Pant. So, I think he’ll be disappointed and naturally, he is a terrific player. But KL Rahul, it is great for India that he is back because you know, he is a genuine match winner on the biggest stage too,” he added.
The six-team competition will take place from August 27 in the 20-over format, with India and Pakistan clubbed in Group A. India are also the most successful team, having won the trophy on seven occasions.
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