‘It’s Disappointing’ Scott Styris Opens Up On The Indian Team Picking KL Rahul Ahead Of Ishan Kishan

The five-member BCCI selection committee recently named India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2022, which is set to commence in the last week of August. The selectors picked as many as three standby players as well along with the short squad.

The biggest development from the squad selection was the exclusion of Ishan Kishan. The marquee left-hander was sidelined from India’s scheme of things without any hint. He was consistently given a go as India’s backup opener by the management for over a year now.

KL Rahul over Ishan Kishan?

Meanwhile, Scott Styris, The former New Zealand all-rounder, and current presenter opened up on Rohit Sharma-led management’s decision to prefer KL Rahul over Ishan Kishan as their primary opener for the marquee Asian event this month.

Styris was clearly not surprised as he believes in the mettle of the right-hand opening batter. The Kiwi all-rounder confessed that it was a ‘simple decision’ as the team management and the selectors are aware of KL Rahul’s ‘match-winning’ ability.

Here’s what Scott Styris said:

“Picking KL Rahul is a simple decision. You have seen how valuable he is to the Indian team, to the management, and to the selectors. He has been given the vice-captaincy as well, so that says that he was always the frontline player in this Indian side.”

“It’s great for India that KL Rahul is back because he is a genuine match-winner on the biggest stage. I guess it’s unlucky for Ishan Kishan, he has got that left-handed ability which I think they would have loved to have got into the squad. So I think he will be disappointed, naturally so, he is a terrific player.”

KL Rahul will be making his comeback in international cricket through the Asia Cup 2022. He missed out on all the assignments of the national side after the recently-concluded season of the IPL (2022), due to persistent injuries.

The Karnataka-born batter will be desperate to contribute to the Indian team’s success in the much-important Asian event, which will eventually further cement his place in the side ahead of the T20 World Cup this year.