Asia Cup 2022: “Hope next year he is not worried about the Orange Cap” – Harsha Bhogle chides KL Rahul’s form

After defeating Hong Kong in their Group A fixture, Team India became the second team to reach the Super 4 round in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav have impressed with their respective performances.

However, the Men in Blue still have a few concerns that need to be addressed, especially before the upcoming T20 World Cup in October. Probably the biggest cause of concern for Team India is opener KL Rahul’s poor form.

Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck in Team India’s opening game against Pakistan. Then, on Wednesday, in the clash  against Hong Kong, the Bangalore-born got out after playing an odd knock of 36 runs in 39 balls.

Speaking about Rahul’s current form, veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle reckoned that the Karnataka stalwart needs to work on his strike rate or else his position in the playing XI will be in question.

“It was okay today as he was playing against Hong Kong. But even then, I think taking 39 balls is way too much. Hong Kong, you knew you would win it, but unlike Virat, who looked more and more fluent as the innings went along, I don’t think KL Rahul looked more fluent on his 38th ball than he was earlier. So, I hope he gets as much time in the nets,” Bhogle was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

Bhogle also mentioned that Rahul is ‘once-in-a-generation player’ and should get over his fear.

“Because every time I see KL Rahul, who is a once-in-a-generation player who is getting stuck somewhere. I wonder whether he needs to shed some fear. Look, I don’t know. I haven’t played at that level. I haven’t been in those situations before. I just wonder if he needs to shed those fears and say, it doesn’t matter if I get out.’ And I hope next year, he is not worried about the Orange Cap,” he added.