Team India defeated minnow Hong Kong by 40 runs in the second Asia Cup 2022 encounter and qualified for the Super Four stage. While Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli smashed contrasting half-centuries, KL Rahul continued to struggle, even against a rookie bowling attack. The Indian opener scored 36 runs in 39 balls against Hong Kong and registered his slowest ever knock in a T20I game in which he has batted for at least 30 balls.
Rahul, who recently returned to the Indian setup after a lengthy injury break, has looked like a pale shadow of himself and his sluggish knock against Hong Kong on August 31 (Wednesday) didn't go down well with one of the greatest batters in history.
Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar hinted that the pressure is mounting on Rahul and if he doesn't perform in the upcoming Asia Cup fixtures, then the selectors might look at Shubman Gill as his replacement for the T20 World Cup.
"Shubman Gill batted brilliantly on the Zimbabwe tour, so there is competition in KL Rahul's position. In such a situation, if we talk about the World Cup, then every match there is important. Rahul isn't getting runs and his form is a concern. If he doesn't regain his form in the next two or three games, then maybe the selectors can take a decision on the team to be selected for the T20 World Cup," the cricketer-turned commentator told Aaj Tak.
Rahul endured a horrendous start to the Asia Cup campaign after he was dismissed for a golden duck by Naseem Shah during India's game against Pakistan.
