KL Rahul last played a T20I for India in 2022 T20 World Cup against England.
Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has offered his thoughts on the lengthy list of opening and wicket-keeping choices for India's upcoming Asia Cup roster, which is scheduled to be announced on August 19.
Regarding KL Rahul's potential comeback to the team, Chopra believed that the Karnataka batter's sluggish batting style in the format might work against him.
Chopra further emphasized that even though Rahul had a brilliant IPL 2025 season for Delhi Capitals, he cannot hope to return to the Indian T20I squad and shared his reasons for the same.
“If you see his IPL numbers, they are outstanding. In the recent past, no player has been a 600-run bank like him. However, a reputation has developed that he plays very slowly at times. “If something is stopping him, it’s his own mindset. Sometimes his legs are shackled, and when the mindset is right, he flies with wings. I feel he has the game. I remember a shot; it was the Indore ground, and he hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six over cover, and I was like, "Wow." However, then you also get knocks when you feel that he should hit, but he thinks differently,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra also stated that KL Rahul might not be considered for the role of the opener, with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill battling it out.
“He cannot play as an opener because the opening story has ended, unfortunately, for the time being. Sanju Samson is there with Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal is behind them, and I am also putting Shubman Gill’s name at the fourth spot. Four people are standing in line,” Chopra added.
With wicket-keeping slots also receiving cutthroat competition, Chopra suggested that Rahul’s chances for an imminent T20I return remain bleak.
“Ishan Kishan is saying that he is also there. Everyone wants to open. So there is no place for an opener. You will have to play in the middle order, and there, Jitesh Sharma has done very well, played an excellent IPL, and made his team win. Sanju Samson is opening at the moment. So a keeper is not required. Dhruv Jurel is also standing behind,” Chopra observed.
Rahul has featured in 72 T20Is and scored over 2200 runs with two centuries for India. He last played in a T20I for India in the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they were thrashed by England by 10 wickets.