Here Are 4 Players Who Can Replace KL Rahul As Opener For Team India In T20Is
In India's 1st match in Asia Cup this year, captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul opened the innings for the Indian team. However, this was KL Rahul's 1st T20I this year, owing to his injuries. Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck against Pakistan, which has left the experts and fans wondering as to whether this player should have been given more game time instead of making a comeback directly in a prestigious tournament.
In 39 innings as an opener, Rahul has scored 1,392 runs at an average of 38.66 while striking at 140.46 with 15 fifties at this position. However, while batting in the middle order, Rahul has scored 439 runs in 14 innings with an average of 43.90 while striking at 148.81, including 2 centuries and a fifty. In a highly unlikely case, team India might look to replace KL Rahul as an opener for the upcoming T20Is.
Here are 4 players who can replace KL Rahul in the Indian T20I side as an opener.
#1. Rishabh Pant
The explosive wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant missed out in the first match against Pakistan. Pant was tried as an opener vs England this year where he had a strike rate of 135.00. Pant is in good form and if brought in as an opener, will provide a left-right combination at the top of the order.
#2. Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda has been in smashing form this year, smashing a ton against Ireland in a T20I game. Hooda is entirely able to play big shots. If Deepak Hooda is given a chance to open alongside Rohit Sharma for team India, the player can do wonders. The all-rounder has a strike rate of 161.18 in T20Is.
#3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has opened many times in T20s, and if Kohli decides to move up the order and open the innings, a lot of Indian worries will cease to exist. With Virat opening, Suryakumar Yadav can play at #3 and Rishabh Pant can play at the #4 spot.
#4. Ishan Kishan
Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 Scorecard
Young explosive batter Ishan Kishan can also replace KL Rahul as an opener. The left-hander has played 17 matches as an opener and has score 519 runs with an average of 30.52 while striking at 132.73, with two fifties to his name.