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KL Rahul is set to make his comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 later this month. Along with Rahul, bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar is also expected to make a comeback in the Asia Cup after recovering from back injury. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad on August 8.
For the third time, the Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format. The tournament will begin on August 27 in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Defending champions India will play their campaign opener against Pakistan on August 28 in a bid to avenge their T20 World Cup 2021 loss.
It is yet to be seen whether the selection committee announces a 15-member squad or extends it to 17. However, India will look to pick their best squad ahead of T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia later this year.
Rahul’s comeback is expected to solve India’s opening issue. Of late, they have tried wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. Rahul is expected to walk into the side as opener on the back of exceptional T20I record in the batting position.
"KL Rahul doesn't need to prove anything. He is a class player. Whenever he plays T20, it is always as a specialist opener and that would continue. Surya and Rishabh are set to play as specialist middle-order batters going forward," a BCCI source told PTI.
Deepak will make his return to the field in international arena against Zimbabwe in the three-ODI series. Shikhar Dhawan will be leading a second-string squad for short Zimbabwe tour ahead of Asia Cup 2022.
"Deepak was one of India's consistent T20 bowlers before he got injured. He deserves a fair chance and also we need a like-for-like back-up for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Also now that he is coming back, he would need to play a lot of games to get his rhythm back," the source said.
Deepak can also be considered as a backup for Harshal Patel, who injured his rib-cage during the England tour.
