World Cup selection not in our hands, says KL Rahul

With the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League in progress, KL Rahul has been in good touch for the Kings XI Punjab of late. Opening the innings, mostly alongside Chris Gayle, Rahul has managed to get good starts for Punjab. However, the Karnataka batsman has said that World Cup selection is not in the hands of the players and he is aiming to score as many runs as he can for the Punjab side. In the first seven matches of the IPL, he scored 317 runs for the Mohali-based side. 

"World Cup selection is not in our hands. For now, my focus is on IPL. I want to score as many runs for my team (KXIP). I am not thinking and worried about it (World Cup selection). If I get a chance, I will give my best. It is the most prestigious tournament for any cricketer in the world. It is the dream of every cricketer to represent the country in the World Cup. It will be a brilliant opportunity,” Rahul told TOI.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the No. 4 slot in the Indian ODI line-up. The management has experimented with a lot of players, including Rahul at the said position and are yet to find a long-term solution. If selected, Rahul is all set to take up any role offered by the management in the World Cup and further spoke about his versatility.

"Wherever the team requires me and wants me to fit in, I will go and give my best. If they want me to field, I will. If they want me to bat at No. 3, 4 or open, I will be ready as per the team's requirements. It's a team sport," explained the KXIP opener.