Three 'Key' Reasons Why India Should Include KL Rahul For Afghanistan T20Is

image-lr1rilzrRahul has not featured in a T20I match since the World Cup semi-final in 2022.(x.com)

In a recent interview with Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar on Star Sports, KL Rahul expressed his eagerness to contribute across all formats for the Indian cricket team. The stylish wicket-keeper batter, who played a crucial role in India's recent Test series against South Africa, emphasized his readiness to play in any format at any given time. After a remarkable century in the first Test, Rahul appears confident and proud of his comeback, showcasing resilience amidst the highs and lows in his career.

As India gears up to host Afghanistan in a T20 series starting on January 11, Rahul's comments hint at his potential inclusion in the squad. Here are three strong reasons why India should consider KL Rahul for the forthcoming T20I series:


Middle-Order Stability

KL Rahul, having successfully adapted to the middle-order role in ODIs, brings a wealth of experience to India's T20 lineup. With a plethora of young talents in the T20 squad, Rahul's inclusion provides a perfect blend of youth and experience. Surya Kumar Yadav's absence due to an ankle injury further underscores the importance of having a seasoned campaigner like Rahul in the middle order. 

His calming influence and ability to handle pressure will allow the younger players, such as Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh, to play with freedom while taking on responsibility.

On-field 

Whether donning the wicketkeeping gloves or not, KL Rahul's experience adds a valuable dimension to the Indian side. Even if he opts not to keep wickets, his calm and composed demeanour can influence decision-making on the field. Rahul's leadership qualities and strategic mindset make him an asset to the team. 

His presence will particularly benefit the inexperienced players, offering them a steadying influence in high-pressure situations.

Captaincy Contender in the Absence of Hardik Pandya

With Hardik Pandya likely to miss the T20 series against Afghanistan due to injury, KL Rahul emerges as a strong contender for the captaincy role. As the vice-captain of the Indian limited-overs squad, Rahul's leadership skills and cricketing acumen make him a suitable candidate to lead the team. 

Even if someone else takes the captain's armband, Rahul's experience positions him well for the vice-captaincy, contributing to the team's strategic planning and decision-making.

Notably, Rahul has not featured in a T20I match since the World Cup semi-final in 2022, and he has accumulated a total of 2265 runs in 72 matches in this format. However, his recent stellar performances and adaptability in Test cricket suggest that the time is ripe for his return to the T20I format.