KL Rahul‘s impressive batting form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 wasn’t enough to secure him a spot India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
In the 2024 IPL season, Rahul has scored 406 runs in 10 matches, including three half-centuries. He is the only wicketkeeper-batsman to score more than 400 runs this season, scoring those runs at a strike rate of 142.96.
The BCCI selection committee’s decision has caused a stir among some fans and cricket experts.
Possible reasons for KL Rahul’s omission
1. Middle order puzzles: With players like Suryakumar Yadav And Hardik Pandya Rahul, who primarily opens the batting line-up and has already established himself in the middle order, might not have fit in seamlessly. The team may emphasize 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 woes. While Rahul can keep wickets, Pant’s explosive batting in the middle order might have been a more compelling choice.
3. Form instead of familiarity: Sanju SamsonThe team’s red-hot form in the ongoing IPL could have been a deciding factor. The selectors have opted for a player in top form over Rahul, who has not played a T20I for India since the 2022 World Cup.
4. Exercise Rate Considerations: While Rahul has a decent average in T20Is, his strike rate may not have been what the selectors expected in a T20 World Cup squad where aggressive batting is often crucial.
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It is important to note that the selection committee has prioritized various factors beyond the player’s current IPL performance. Team balance, player form in international games and tactical flexibility all play a role in these crucial decisions.
KL Rahul can still make it into India’s T20 World Cup squad
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed all boards to make the necessary changes to their provisional squads by May 25, meaning there is still a glimmer of hope that Rahul can make India’s last 15.
The Rohit SharmaThe listed Indian team will begin their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York and will have a blockbuster duel with arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on June 9th.