Flamboyant India wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul (AFP Image)
KL Rahul will lead the Indian team in the first two ODIs against Australia in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
Former India pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth feels that KL Rahul should play all the game in the three-match ODI series against Australia ahead of the mega ODI World Cup. Rahul, who recently made a sensational comeback in the Asia Cup 2023, will also lead the Indian team in the first two ODIs versus Australia in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
After a long injury lay-off Rahul made a sensational return to the Indian team with a century against Pakistan in a Super 4 encounter in Asia Cup 2023. He also impressed with his wicketkeeping skills and game awareness while advising skipper Rohit regarding DRS calls.
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2011 World Cup-winning star Sreesanth wants Rahul to play all the games prior to the World Cup to maintain the consistency which the team demands from him.
“I would ask the likes of KL Rahul to play all the games and maintain the consistency that we spoke about. Show Australia that it will be worse for them in the World Cup. Just demoralize them and make sure we don’t lose,” Sreesanth told Sportskeeda.
India have rested Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya for the first two games against Australia but retained the pacers from the Asia Cup squad which raised several eyebrows.
However, Sreesanth advised India to take care of Jasprit Bumrah and said he should be given rest in case of any niggle or discomfort.
“It will be interesting to see the kind of pitches they offer to Australia in the series. But I want Bumrah to be rested if there is a niggle. Let him decide how his body is feeling. He deserves to make that decision and choose his priority,” he added.
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The former paceman further said that it will be crucial for the captains to rotate their bowlers at the same time they have to focus on building partnerships.
“The use of fast bowlers would be crucial. They should rotate them and the fast bowlers should focus on bowling in partnerships,” said Sreesanth.
The three-match ODI series will start on September 22 with India and Australia locking horns in Mohali. The series will be the final tune-up for both teams to get their combination right ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.
