Sanjay Manjrekar feels India need Suresh Raina-like player for KL Rahul to open in ODIs

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes India will have to find a batsman like Suresh Raina if KL Rahul has to open in ODI cricket. Manjrekar, who turned commentator after retirement, was a table absentee during India's first ODI against South Africa at Dharmashala. It was later revealed that former batsman was dropped from BCCI's commentary panel and hence was absent for game. In meantime, Sanjay Manjrekar took to Twitter to eng with his followers.

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Sanjay Manjrekar believes India need Suresh Raina like-cricketer for KL Rahul to open in ODIs

Sanjay Manjrekar took to Twitter to eng with his followers in a Q&A session after former cricketer was dropped from BCCI commentary panel. When asked about wher KL Rahul is fit for .5 role in longer run, he said that KL Rahul was perfect for role in near future. Sanjay Manjrekar added that India needs a player in mould of Suresh Raina or Yuvraj Singh for KL Rahul to return to being an opener.

Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar Breaks Silence On BCCI Snub, Says Commentary Was Never An Entitlement

Suresh Raina's career at a glance

Suresh Raina was among Team India's mainstays in limited-overs cricket since his debut in 2005. An explosive left-handed batsman who could bowl part-time spin, CSK batsman formed a famed partnership with n India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading India's charge in final overs of game. Suresh Raina has featured in 226 ODIs, scoring more than 5000 runs at an aver of more than 35 with a strike rate of 93. Suresh Raina will feature for CSK in upcoming IPL 2020 and would look to give himself a chance at making T20 World Cup squad. 

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KL Rahul's shift to .5 and his good run of form

KL Rahul, who predominantly opens batting for Karnataka and Kings XI Punjab, was shifted to .5 after Rishabh Pant's repeated failures with bat. Rahul has amassed two half-centuries and a century in just four matches in middle-order and is set to continue as India's designated wicketkeeper-batsman as MS Dhoni continues to remain unavailable for selection since World Cup semi-final loss against New Zealand. KL Rahul will return to top order for Kings XI Punjab in IPL and will also lead franchise in upcoming edition.  

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