'We were mainly looking for middle-order options' - Ajit Agarkar explains why KL Rahul failed to make the cut for T20 World Cup squad
'We felt that Samson and Pant are better suited for that," said Agarkar.
Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was announced on April 30. There was much gung-ho around which player would make the cut. While the squad was anticipated one, the exclusion of KL Rahul remained the hot topic. Rahul was under the scanner for his depleting strike rate. His sub-par strike rate in the World Cup 2023 finals was much criticised. On Thursday, the BCCI Chief Selector addressed the debate and provided the opinion.
The wicket-keeper batter had desired to be acknowledged as the proper middle-order batter. It was his role in the World Cup 2023 as well. But he has been opening for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League 2024. Agarkar highlighted the same aspect and asserted that the team was vying for a middle-order batter. When looking through those lenses, Rishabh Pant was the go-to man and Sanju Samson is a proven weapon over time.
"KL Rahul has been opening in the IPL. We were mainly looking for middle-order options. So, we felt that Samson and Pant are better suited for that. Samson can bat anywhere in the lineup. So, it was just about what we needed and not about who was better," said Agarkar in the Press Conference.
Rahul's manifestation cedes as the strike rate deceives
The Karnataka Batter was making a substantial case for himself in the IPL 2024. He had not only opened the batting with Quinton de Kock but managed to hold onto the innings. His match-winning knock of 82 runs in 53 balls against Chennai Super Kings was lauded by many. But his strike rate of 144 in IPL 2024 has been his drawback. His competitors, Pant and Samson boast a strike rate of 158 and 161 respectively. To make it worse, they have done so batting in the middle order.
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