Should KL Rahul feature in India's T20I plans? Former India star opines ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Various names for India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad have been considered, but none of these include KL Rahul, the opening batter, who didn’t play the T20 World Cup 2024 and hasn’t played the shortest format for the national side since 2022, having smashed 2265 runs at a strike rate of nearly 140.

The former India opening batter, Aakash Chopra, gives his view regarding the importance of KL Rahul for the Asia Cup, reckoning that the right-handed batter could be part of the T20I set-up, given that he could play aggressive cricket if needed, but has lost reputation due to his slow batting at times.

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“Very, very interesting one. Your question is valid because he is a good player. If you see his IPL numbers, they are outstanding. In the recent past, no player has been a 600-run bank like him. However, a reputation has developed that he plays very slowly at times.” Chopra smashed during a recent YouTube video on the channel.

Akash Chopra highlights KL Rahul's chances for India ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Rahul smashed 539 runs for Delhi Capitals in the recently concluded 2025 season of the IPL in 13 innings at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, scoring three fifties and one century at the best score of 112*. Apart from the 2023 season when he got injured, the Karnataka-born crossed the 500-run mark in every season since 2018.

“If something is stopping him, it's his mindset. Sometimes his legs are shackled, and when the mindset is right, he flies with wings. I feel he has the game. I remember a shot, it was the Indore ground, and he hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six over cover, and I was like Wow. However, then you also get knocks when you feel that he should hit, but he thinks differently.” Akash Chopra addressed during the video.

“He cannot play as an opener because the opening story has ended, unfortunately, for the time being. Sanju Samson is there with Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal is behind them, and I am putting Shubman Gill's name also at the fourth spot. Four people are standing in line.” The renowned commentator concluded.