Team India’s campaign in the Asia Cup continued as they faced off against Hong Kong in their second match in Group A. The Men in Blue were eager to correct their mistakes from their first game against Pakistan. The Indian batters were looking in good touch but a slow knock from KL Rahul meant that India couldn’t score at a brisk pace in the early overs.
Rahul looked completely off touch and struggled to find the middle of the bat as has been the case since his return to the team. The 30-year-old managed to score only 36 off 39 balls despite hitting two sixes in his innings. His poor show with the bat meant that his opening partner Rohit Sharma had to opt for an ultra-aggressive approach in his innings. The approach by Rohit eventually led to his downfall.
After Rohit’s dismissal, Kohli walked in to bat who looked like a different player from the first match. However, Rahul’s struggle continued as he failed to rotate the strike. He eventually perished at the score of 94 after 13 overs trying to sweep a ball from well outside off stump and edging it to the wicketkeeper.
Rahul’s return to international cricket has been a forgettable one so far. He was out of action since the Indian T20 League which ended in May. He finally made a comeback in the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe. After not getting a chance to bat in the first match, Rahul only managed to score just 1 run in his outing in the second game. The opener managed to get set at the crease in the third ODI but failed to convert it into a big score getting out on 30 off 46 balls.
Rahul’s slow knock didn’t go down well with the fans who were bashing him for his dismal show in the match. The star batter desperately needs to find some form with the 20-20 world cup approaching in a month.
Here are some of the reactions to Rahul’s innings by the fans:
IPL contract for lifetime for the Hong Kong bowler who picks up the wicket of KL Rahul
— BCCI (@BCCIIII) August 31, 2022
Is there something in the pitch that is not visible. Simply can't fathom this approach especially from KL Rahul. #IndvsHkg
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 31, 2022
What on earth is driving KL Rahul to bat with this "approach" when India have been so vocal about aggressive intent. #INDvHK
— Mayank (@kmayank9) August 31, 2022
India is investing billions into cricket and we're still seeing bowlers like Avesh Khan and batters like KL Rahul in the team. How sad!
— Batman (@Bruce_IsBack) August 31, 2022
KL Rahul has potential to play like Buttler but chooses to play like Kane
— The Joker (Perry's version) (@Jokeresque_) August 31, 2022
Still strongly agree that KL Rahul is not a good T20 opener, he create pressure to other batsman and he just play for his individual score.
Do you guys agree?#KLRahul#RohitSharma #ViratKohli #AsiaCupT20 #IndvsHkg pic.twitter.com/9T48YC1DgV— shibin (@shibi_meppayour) August 31, 2022
KL Rahul is Biggest Fraud in Indian Cricket
I REPEATKL Rahul is Biggest Fraud in Indian Cricket
— Amit Kumar (@AMIT_GUJJU) August 28, 2022
Over three years now, KL Rahul has shown the same approach, under three different managements, in three different teams, against all levels of opposition. At some point, he is this batsman, whether we like it or not.
— Abhu (@abhu_tyagi) August 31, 2022
KL Rahul is literally not even trying to attempt any shots. This guy is selfish and shouldn't be part of any team sport .
— ` (@FourOverthrows) August 31, 2022
Kl Rahul didn't played Test cricket in last one year so he is getting that vibe by playing test in T20I.
— Vishal. (@SportyVishal) August 31, 2022
