New Delhi, Aug 24 : Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris said he is anticipating KL Rahul to be in good shape to play against Pakistan in the highly anticipated Asia Cup match on August 28 after a few hours in the field in the ODI series with Zimbabwe.In the game against Zimbabwe in the series against Zimbabwe, where he was appointed captain in the last minute, Rahul didn’t get to bat in the first game.
However, he was allowed to bat in the following two matches in which he made himself a part of the bat with Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 30 and 1 respectively.
The ODIs played against Zimbabwe were also a sign of his return to competitive cricket action after a long time in the slack.
After playing in IPL 2022 in which he played the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs, Rahul was scheduled to captain India in the T20Is at home against South Africa in June.
However, he was disqualified of the seriesdue to an injury to his groin.
Rahul then traveled to Germany to undergo an operation for a sports hernia and was not able to play in the entire tour of England as well as Ireland and ODI matches against the West Indies.He was due to return for T20Is against West Indies.
However, he had contracted Covid-19 and was instructed to rest, which delayed his return to cricket.
“First of all, with regards to KL Rahul, I would not be concerned either.I’d be concerned when he was facing 5-10 balls per innings, but this one in particular -46 deliveries, I believe it was.If this is the case, it indicates that the time in the middle is on the way and that implies that he will improve his proficiency and game time in the middle? Much more valuable than nets” stated Styris on “Sports Over The top” show on Sports18.
In response to a question about his thoughts regarding Rahul’s preparations for the India-Pakistan game in the Asia Cup, dubbed as the “greatest rivalry” Styris said, “So, I expect Rahul will be prepared to play against Pakistan.But, what about that one? I’m with you, but I think he’ll be fine.The reason is that there is no Shaheen Afridi.We know that he’s injured, and the way he hits the stumps is how you get KL Rahul out.LBW and then bowled.
“The reality that the principal person who exposes the weakness isn’t there.I believe KL Rahul has got an opportunity to be the main man but we do not are aware of he is because , as Saba rightly stated his pedigree is in place.”
nr/akm
