The inclusion of KL Rahul for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023 did not delight the former India star.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a former opener for the Indian cricket team, expressed his displeasure that KL Rahul was chosen for the Asia Cup 2023, despite chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s suggestion that the player may have just experienced a niggle. Sanju Samson was selected as a backup because, according to Agarkar, Rahul might wind up missing the opening match of the competition. This was revealed during the press conference that followed the squad announcement. Rahul should not have been chosen, in Srikkanth’s opinion, if he is not fully well. He even went so far as to describe Agarkar and other stakeholders as “confused” over the choice.
On his “Cheeky Cheeka” YouTube channel, Srikkanth stated, “I do not get this selection (for Asia Cup). Why do you require a large number of medium pacers? Who is suitable and who is not is unclear to the selectors. You shouldn’t have selected Rahul because he has a complaint. My rule was that if a player is not fit on the day of the section, you should not choose him. For the World Cup, do you want to keep him? Okay, you do that, but are you hoping that after two games he will play? My main argument is that Ajit Agarkar and company are lost. Simply disregard them if you are not (sure).
Prasidh Krishna, a pacer, was selected for the Asia Cup, but Srikkanth wasn’t convinced of that either.
Prasidh Krishna is being chosen based on four-over periods he bowled in Ireland, although he hasn’t played in a competitive game in over a year. Do you believe this is the appropriate decision to pick him? he asked.
“This is a confused selection policy, safe selection policy, hoping for the best policy,” he continued.
