Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons KL Rahul’s one or two failures will not make the team management drop him from the playing XI. Rahul made a return to International cricket in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe after a long gap of six months.
However, the right-hander could not hit the ground running as he managed only 31 runs in the two innings he played. Subsequently, Rahul could not get going against arch-rivals Pakistan as he was dismissed on a golden duck by debutant Naseem Shah as he chopped the ball back onto the stumps.
Rahul was clearly late on the ball and he was disappointed with his shot. However, Rahul has been a consistent performer for India in the shortest format of the game and the team management is going to stick with him as he will need some time to get back into his groove.
Wasim Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo: “The way this team operates, we have been seeing it for the past year that the Indian team gives enough opportunities to every player. I personally don’t think we will see any changes. You will back the team you played against the big side. I don’t think one or two failures will make them drop KL Rahul or make any changes unless there’s an injury issue.”
Jaffer, a former domestic giant, added he is tempted to play Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI but feels Avesh Khan will retain his place in the team as the Dubai pitch has extra bounce and pace.
“Wicket has pace and bounce so perhaps Avesh will retain his place as well, though I am a bit tempted to play Ravi Bishnoi.”
Meanwhile, Jaffer believes India will need to get rid of Nizakat Khan, Yasim Murtaza and Babar Hayat as they all have been in good form in the recent past. Yasim Murtaza had scored 130 runs in three matches of qualifiers while Hayat had scored 97 runs.
“These three will have a lot riding on their shoulders. Nizakat Khan scored 92 last time against India as well, Yasim Murtaza is in very good form, was the highest run-scorer in the qualifiers, and Babar Hayat is a very good player. A lot will depend on them and how they bat in Hong Kong’s innings. If India gets them out early, their winning chance will be very bright.”
India vs Hong Kong will be played on Wednesday.
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