Asia Cup 2022: “Hope next year he is not worried about the Orange Cap” - Harsha Bhogle critiques KL Rahul’s form

Rahul has been facing heavy criticism for his performances with the bat in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Although India became the second team to reach the Super 4 round in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022, they still have a few concerns that need to be addressed before the T20 World Cup in October.

Perhaps the biggest of which is opener KL Rahul’s poor form.

Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck in the crucial Asia Cup 2022 encounter between India and Pakistan. On Wednesday (August 31), in the game against Hong Kong, he got out after playing an odd knock of 36 runs off 39 balls.

The 29-year-old will need to improve on his play, according to veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle, or else his position in the playing XI will be in question.

“It was okay today as he was playing against Hong Kong. But even then I think taking 39 balls is way too much. Hong Kong you knew you would win it, but unlike Virat who looked more and more fluent as the innings went along, I don’t think KL Rahul looked more fluent on his 38^th ball than he was earlier. So, I hope he gets as much time in the nets,” he told Cricbuzz.

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Bhogle described Rahul as a talent who comes along once in a generation but added that the star batter needs to get over his fear.

“Because every time I see KL Rahul who is a once-in-a-generation player who is getting struck somewhere. I wonder whether he needs to shed some fear. Look I don’t know I haven’t played at that level. I haven’t been in those situations before. I just wonder if he needs to shed those fears and say ‘doesn’t matter if I get out.’” he stated.

“And I hope next year, he is not worried about the Orange Cap,” he added.

The ‘Voice of Cricket’ remarked further that if the right-hander is not able to find his rhythm in India’s remaining matches in the ongoing Asia Cup, the selectors might drop him for the T20 World Cup in October.

“I honestly believe even after this Asia Cup, KL Rahul is still playing like this then we have a question for the selectors. If after these four games(Asia Cup 2022), if KL Rahul hasn’t got his rhythm back then there is a question. I would be very sad if that happens.” he claimed.

(CRICBUZZ INPUTS)