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With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from T20 format, the stage is set for a new pair of openers for at least the next two years. Yashasvi Jaiswal is almost certain to take one of the opening spots, leaving the question of who will partner with him: Shubman Gill or KL Rahul?
Merit-wise, KL is a strong option. He has established himself in ODI and Test cricket, and he is eager to reclaim his spot in the T20 format too.
Yes, KL’s experience and track record indeed add value to the team, especially in T20 cricket. With Rishabh Pant back in the mix, it will be interesting to see how both players adapt and perform. KL’s ability to play freely and make significant contributions at the top of the order can be crucial for India’s success across formats.
On the other hand, Gill, known for his excellent technique and recent performances, is a promising candidate who represents the future of Indian cricket.
The decision for the selectors will hinge on whether they prioritize experience and a well-rounded skill set in KL or if they prefer to invest in the young talent and potential of Gill. Both options have their merits, and the final choice will likely depend on the team’s overall strategy and vision for the future.
With Gill often getting out in the power-plays, KL’s presence brings a wealth of experience to the table. Despite India’s inability to finish strong in the last two T20 World Cups with KL in the team, the selectors decided against including him this time. Although there was a potential opening for KL due to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s lack of IPL form with the Rajasthan Royals, selectors opted for a different direction.
But his non-inclusion in the 15-member T20 World Cup squad hasn’t dampened the spirit of the soft-spoken cricketer. KL Rahul has been training at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and will be in Mumbai in a few days before joining his coach in Mangalore for some extensive sessions.
Still, some might question why KL Rahul should be considered again. A mix of youth and experience will define the new T20 team, with Axar Patel stepping in as Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement and several other future hopefuls making their mark. However, KL Rahul isn’t looking to give up T20 cricket like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. If he were to do that, it would seem as though he isn’t willing to compete with youngsters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
It appears that if Hardik Pandya walks into this new T20 Indian team, KL is also set for a comeback. Given their long-standing friendship, and the fact that the captain often has a say in team selection, one can’t rule out KL’s return to T20 cricket. If he is ready and performs consistently, KL has a good chance to seize this opportunity. This could be the perfect moment for him to not only re-establish himself but also to excel without the fear of failure.
