'Aap bol rahe ho ke KL bhai ko nahi khilana chahiye?' - Suryakumar Yadav backs KL Rahul with quirky reply to journalist

KL Rahul has been the talk of the town since his return to international cricket. The opening batter was out of the setup for a very long time owing to his injuries and health concerns. He recently led the Indian side in the Zimbabwe ODI series before making his way into the Asia Cup 2022. But he has not completely gained back his form, and India batter Suryakumar Yadav backed him amid his struggles.

Immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2022 in May, he left for Germany for his treatment, but post his recovery he contracted the COVID-19 virus which led him to sit out of the West Indies tour. At the ongoing Asia Cup, KL Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck in the game against Pakistan and he has been criticized for giving away his wicket cheaply since then.

While addressing a Press Conference after the win, Yadav was asked if he would be seen opening the innings as part of India’s new combinations, to which he humorously replied: “Aap bol rahe ho ke KL bhai ko nahi khilana chahiye? (So you mean to say that KL should be dropped?).”

I am very flexible to bat at any number: Suryakumar Yadav

In the game against Hong Kong, Rahul played a 39-ball 36-run knock before being dismissed, but even still he did not appear to be in good touch. It was Suryakumar Yadav who dominated India’s batting alongside Virat Kohli who also looked in great touch. While backing KL Rahul, Yadav also reckoned that is ready to bat at any position that benefits the team.

“He (Rahul) is coming back from an injury, he also needs some time. We have some time right now. As far as I am concerned, I have always said that I am very flexible to bat at any number. I have told the coach and captain that make me bat at any number, but just play me. Things will go on. There are a lot of things we are also trying. Instead of doing it at practice, it is better to try those things during a match. We will get a better idea, so we will see how it goes,” Yadav added.

India’s next game at the Asia Cup 2022 will be their first game of the Super Four stage. It is scheduled on Sunday, September 4 when the Men in Blue will face either Pakistan or Hong Kong based upon the two team’s result from their upcoming fixture of group A.