(Cricket news) India won the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe by 10 wickets. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 189 after which Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan chased the total down without any help. KL Rahul was a late addition to the squad as he recovered from his injury. In ODIs Rahul's best has come while batting in the middle order even though he has opened the innings in the past. The thinking within the management must be that come the World Cup next year, Rahul will be playing in the middle order and it makes sense to let him play that position. There is a flip side to the coin wherein making Rahul open would be hugely beneficial.
KL Rahul is returning to cricket after a long term injury absence. He is one of India's key players for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. The batter needs to get into his rhythm before the Asia Cup which is why he is in the squad and the others are rested. It is very crucial that he spends a lot of time batting in the middle to get that practice. If he does continue to bat in the middle order then he might not get to bat a lot of overs which is exactly what the team does not what. He is supposed to open the batting in T20Is so why not let him open for 2 ODI matches. Opening with Rahul would mean that Shubman Gill, who is in fantastic form would have to move to the middle order which isn't ideal but it looks like the best solution there is at the moment.
India's first match in the Asia Cup is against Pakistan therefore Rahul will have to be at the top of his game against the likes of Shaheen Afridi. Virat Kohli's form is already a big concern for India and to add to that, if KL Rahul continues to bat in the middle order for the remaining ODIs and doesn't get enough batting time, it will be disastrous. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next match and if there are any changes in the side. Avesh Khan is another player who is in the Asia Cup squad and whom the management might decide to give some game time.
Also read: India dismantle Zimbabwe to win by 10 wickets in the 1st ODI
