The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke on the fitness of ace batter-keeper KL Rahul after he, alongside India captain Rohit Sharma, announced the Men in Blue 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 tournament on September 5.
KL Rahul was amongst the players named in the Indian squad as the wicketkeeper along with Ishan Kishan.
Rahul recently got a green signal from the NCA to join the Indian squad in Sri Lanka for the Super 4s stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, as he recovered from a groin strain. He had already been cleared by the medical staff at the facility after completing his rehab and recovery from the thigh surgery he had some time back.
Agarkar expressed satisfaction over the fitness levels of Rahul and said the 31-year-old has overcome his niggle that delayed his comeback in the ongoing Asia Cup.
“KL (Rahul) is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. KL was part of the camp in Bangalore, and he looked really good there and has got over his niggle. He played a couple of games over the last two days (at NCA). He kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so we’re happy to have him,” said Agarkar.
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Agarkar said having two excellent wicketkeeper batters will only serve the squad well.
“It’s a good headache to have. Kishan played well recently, and he plays well at the top. KL’s record in ODIs is brilliant. We have two good (wicketkeeper-batter) options. We can pick and choose between the two who will fight for a spot in the team,” said Agarkar.
Kishan excelled in the three ODIs against the West Indies recently and then played a mature 82 while batting at No. 5 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup to rescue the Indian team from a precarious position.
Rohit said the team management will certainly explore the possibility of including both Rahul and Kishan in the 11.
“There will be possibilities. Everyone is available and fit to play. The selection depends on the form and the opposition. It’s also about how the runs are scored. Kishan, how he played in the first game (in the Asia Cup), was brilliant. Given the situation, he did very well. So, it depends on fitness and situation,” said Rohit.
(PTI inputs)
