‘I think it is going to be tough for him to be in the World Cup squad’ – Sunil Gavaskar gives hard-hitting verdict on KL Rahul

India’s star batter Shreyas Iyer has returned to the playing eleven against Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium after the injury he sustained during the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. On the other hand, star batter KL Rahul stayed at the NCA to recover fully from injuries despite being named in an Asia Cup squad.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same subject, former India cricketer turned analyst Sunil Gavaskar feels Rahul, who has been a classic player for India, will not get picked for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

The legendary batter feels this is a tricky situation for the selectors regarding KL Rahul’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. Moreover, the cricket commentator feels the selection committee has to go beyond the LSG skipper for the major tournament owing to his lack of experience as well as fitness issues. The former opening batsman affirms the selection committee will get an answer to the same after the first two matches of the Asia Cup.

“I think it’s a tricky situation because if he’s not playing any game before the 5th of September, how do you assess his situation? Because practice match is one thing and match fitness is another thing. So, I think it’s gonna be a tough call for the selection committee. But maybe, you might get the answer in the first two matches itself. In which case, you might have to look beyond Rahul, but that’s gonna be sad, but that’s the reality,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

It is going to be tough for KL Rahul to be in the World Cup squad: Sunil Gavaskar

In addition, the 74-year-old cricketer feels one shouldn’t take chances with an ex-India vice-captain. The stylish right-handed batter feels that if the wicketkeeper-batsman does not appear in any matches before September 5, then his inclusion in the squad will be difficult.

“Because you can’t take chances with him. I’m all for taking him because of the fact that he’s always been a classy player. But if it is not going to be seen in a match situation before the World Cup squad is announced, I think it is going to be tough for him to be in the World Cup squad,” he added further.