KL Rahul is expected to play a crucial role for the Indian cricket team in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. With his ability to bat in the middle-order and keep wickets, he brings a valuable combination of skills to the team. This becomes even more significant considering the absence of injured player Rishabh Pant.
Unfortunately, KL Rahul suffered a thigh injury during IPL 2023 and had to undergo treatment. He has since recovered and has started practicing in the nets. However, his selection for Asia Cup 2023 will depend on the selectors’ assessment of his fitness levels.
In case KL Rahul is unable to make it to the India squad for Asia Cup 2023, the selectors will have to find a suitable replacement who can fulfill both the responsibilities of batting in the middle-order and keeping wickets. In this article, here we will take a look at 3 potential candidates who could fill this role in the Indian squad for Asia Cup 2023.
Also Read: Why is BCCI Delaying India Squad for Asia Cup 2023
3 Potential Replacements for KL Rahul in India’s Asia Cup 2023 Squad
1. Sanju Samson
One standout contender is Sanju Samson, whose all-round prowess renders him an excellent candidate for the Asia Cup squad. Similar to Rahul, Samson possesses the ability to excel as a middle-order batsman while adeptly shouldering the wicketkeeping duties. Impressively, Samson’s recent performance in an ODI clash against West Indies showcased his mettle, securing a half-century. His consistent form in the previous year’s ODIs and notable contributions in the IPL 2023 for the Rajasthan Royals further emphasize his potential to be a strong replacement.
2. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan emerges as another contender primed for consideration. A proficient wicketkeeper-batsman, Kishan has predominantly featured as an opener, yet his experience adapting to the middle-order for Mumbai Indians in the IPL demonstrates his flexibility. A shining highlight was his dominant display in the recent ODI series against West Indies, where he consistently struck half-centuries, ultimately earning him the player of the series accolade. This exceptional run, coupled with his impactful contributions for the Mumbai Indians, positions Kishan as a potent choice to step into the wicketkeeper-batsman role.
3. Jitesh Sharma
The emerging talent of Jitesh Sharma comes into view as a promising prospect for India’s Asia Cup campaign. With his imminent debut on the horizon for the upcoming IND vs IRE T20I series, Sharma’s capabilities as a wicketkeeper-batsman shine through. A notable attribute is his impressive performance during IPL 2023, representing Punjab Kings. The resemblance in playing style to KL Rahul, as both being middle-order batsmen and wicketkeepers, makes Sharma an intriguing option. His potential to seamlessly slot into the role makes him a compelling alternative should KL Rahul’s participation remain uncertain.