ICC World Cup 2019 | KL Rahul will relish opportunity to open, says Brian Lara
Brian Lara reckons that KL Rahul will thrive opening the innings for India at the World Cup, replacing injured Shikhar Dhawan. Lara points to Rahul’s sound technique and experience of opening in the IPL as factors that will help him manage the English conditions with relative ease.
With Shikhar Dhawan ruled out from the remaining part of the World Cup due to injury, Rahul was asked to step in to fill the shoes against Pakistan. Although his patient 57 off 78 balls might not be the same flamboyant style we’ve come to see from Dhawan, together with Rohit Sharma he laid the foundation for a big win against the arch-rivals for the Indian side.
West Indian legend Brian Lara believes that Rahul is all set to produce some special performances at the World Cup.
“I am looking forward to seeing something special from him. For me, he is going to be one of the top run-scorers in the World Cup,” Lara was quoted saying by PTI.
The 27-year-old Karnataka batsman has hit double digits in all three outings so far in the tournament but is yet to convert them into a big score. Lara believes that the right-hander’s sound technique will enable to negotiate the new ball in English conditions well.
“I think he will relish the opportunity of opening the batting order after Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out. Especially after the technique that he has, facing the new ball is not going to be an issue for him,” Lara said.
Lara heaped more praise on Rahul calling him India’s second best batsman after skipper Virat Kohli. KL came into the World Cup on the back of a good IPL as an opener and now with Dhawan’s injury, is set to open alongside Rohit for the remaining matches.
