Asia Cup 2022: T20 World Cup: India have always been blessed to have a wonderful top order. However, the same cannot be same ahead of the Asia Cup 2022, starting later in the month in UAE. The top order will include Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as openers while Virat Kohli will feature in number three. With Kohli struggling for runs, and Rahul having played no competitive cricket after IPL 2022, these are not good signs. Follow Asia Cup 2022 live updates with InsideSport
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More importantly, the T20 World Cup is scheduled to start in October in Australia. And if the two senior players are not amongst the runs, it could be a bug hurdle in their attempt to win the ICC event.
Of all the concern in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli’s form has been a huge talking point. The Indian player has been struggling for runs in all formats, including T20. Even in the last IPL, he looked a shadow of himself. Rather than playing in the recently concluded West Indies series, he took break, inviting criticism as well.
Now, there is a serious need to get back to form and score big in the Asia Cup. If he manages to do so, the selectors can also take a huge sigh of relief. On the other hand, the bigger problem for Rahul is his lack of cricket in recent months. He has not played any cricket after the IPL. In fact, he has not played a single game for India in T20 colours. Despite his class, Rahul needs to play some more matches to get the feel of international cricket back. Likewise, Kohli has just played 4 T20s since the last T20 World Cup too.
Also, the Indian team has currently started to adopt an aggressive brand of cricket. In that context too, it becomes difficult with Kohli not known for playing an attacking game straightaway. Even KL Rahul takes his time before unleashing his array of shots.
What will happen if Rahul and Kohli fail? It is going to be one of the toughest decisions the selectors will face in their tenure. When it comes to big ticket events, India will need some experience, but another series of failure, especially for Kohli could pose a serious question.
Coming to Rahul, it is also about getting back to prime fitness. In the last two months, he has undergone a sports hernia surgery and followed that up by contracting Covid-19 as well. Hence, the Asia Cup and the upcoming home series is going to be important for the duo.
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