New Delhi: Shane Watson believes KL Rahul is at his best when he bats with the attitude that he has nothing to lose and the Australian all-rounder wants him to play in the T20 World Cup later this month. This Indian opener should bat like this.
Rahul’s strike rate has been the target of critics during the Asia Cup and the current series against South Africa. In the first T20 match against South Africa, India had only 107 to chase but Rahul batted very slowly and scored an unbeaten 51 off 56 balls. Watson told PTI that Rahul should adopt an aggressive attitude from the very first ball during the World Cup to be held in Australia.
Watson said, “KL Rahul is my favorite batsman and he is the kind of batsman I love watching him play. According to me, KL Rahul bats at his best when he plays aggressively. He moves the game and doesn’t try to control it.”
“I love watching him bat when he feels like he has nothing to lose. Then he can score runs at a strike rate of 180 without taking too much risk. If he can do that in Australia, a lot of bowlers will be in trouble.” Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the T20 World Cup has been a question mark due to injury.
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In such a situation, Indian fast bowling looks weak. Watson is also of the same opinion and wants Mohammad Siraj to be replaced in the team if Bumrah is not fit for the World Cup. Watson said, “India definitely have batsmen who can do well in Australian conditions but the biggest question mark is about their fast bowling.”
“Spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal can do well in any kind of conditions in the world but without Bumrah, will the fast bowlers be able to do well under pressure conditions in the last overs,” he said. The opposing team will try to take advantage of this weakness of India. Watson said that in the absence of Bumrah, India need a fast bowler who can bowl at 140 kmph.
“It’s really a matter of concern (India not having a fast bowler) and so if Bumrah is not in the team then Siraj will be a good option,” he added. Watson heaped praise on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and said that he can make an impact in every match he plays for India. Hardik has done well in both batting and bowling after recovering from injury.
Watson said, “I like to see an all-rounder who bowls well and hits the ball like Hardik. The way he worked on his fitness and the way he is bowling right now is special.” “He is a match-winning player. Whenever he bowls he can leave a lot of impact. His batting is constantly improving. Everyone knows he has the technique to bat in the middle overs and can also bowl at 140kmph. (agency)