Former India opener has tough questions for Team India as KL Rahul's injury woes continue

The Asia Cup 2023 is all set to begin in Pakistan on Wednesday, August 30. Pakistan and Nepal are scheduled tp play the opening match of the tournament. Pakistan's next game is scheduled for September 2. Ahed of the highly-anticipated encounter, India suffered a big setback. India coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that KL Rahul will be unavailable for the first two games of the tournament. 

3 things you need to know

• KL Rahul will miss first two Asia Cup matches
• Rahul will not play in the India vs Pakistan match
• India begin their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Injury-hit Sri Lanka Announce Squad Only 48 Hrs Before Tournament

Ex-India opener poses tough questions for Rohit, Dravid ahead of Asia Cup

Following the conclusion of India's training camp in Alur, head coach Rahul Dravid disclosed on Tuesday that KL Rahul, who encountered a fresh minor injury just days prior to his selection for the Asia Cup, won't be available for the initial two matches of the tournament. While India's decision was purely a "precautionary measure," with the impending ODI World Cup in mind, Rahul's absence introduces a series of inquiries regarding India's playing lineup for the Asia Cup.

These queries were skillfully presented by former cricketer Aakash Chopra to both captain Rohit Sharma and coach Dravid. Aakash acknowledged that this development "opens up a host of discussion points." He pondered whether Ishan Kishan, as the natural replacement, would open alongside Rohit and if so, where Gill or Kohli might find their place in the batting order. Furthermore, Aakash inquired whether this scenario might prompt a situation where Gill could be sidelined to accommodate players such as Tilak Varma or Suryakumar Yadav.

KLR unavailable for the first two games. Opens up a host of discussion points…does Ishan open? If yes, where will Shubman bat? Or Rohit-Gill-Ishan bat 1-2-3 and then Kohli bats at 4? Or Rohit-Gill open…Kohli at 3 and Ishan at 5? Or Gill gets benched and Tilak/SKY bat at 5?…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 29, 2023

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli On Cusp On Breaking Massive MS Dhoni & Sachin Tendulkar Record

KL Rahul's ongoing battle with injuries

Had Rahul been fit, the batting order would have been straightforward: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening, followed by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to form the top four, with the wicketkeeper-batsman at No. 5. However, with no Rahul for at least the first two matches, India may field Ishan Kishan in his place. In that case, Kishan might be sent to open the batting with Rohit, and Gill pushed down to the number 3 position with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer coming in at 4 and 5 and respectively.   

Image: AP