Cricket

KL Rahul, the dashing Indian opener, has been left out of the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite his impressive performance in the recent ODI World Cup. Rahul scored 452 runs in 11 matches at an average of 75.33, including one century and two fifties. However, he failed to make the cut for the T20 World Cup squad, which was won by Rohit Sharma-led Team India.Rahul's omission from the T20 World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering his recent form. He was also not considered for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which India won 4-1 under Shubman Gill's captaincy.However, the selectors have included Rahul for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting August 2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This suggests that the selectors still believe in Rahul's abilities in the 50-over format.Rahul has been a consistent performer in ODIs, averaging over 50 in 75 matches. He has scored 2,820 runs, including seven centuries and 18 fifties. His last ODI appearance was against South Africa in December 2023, while his last T20I appearance was against England in November 2022.India will also play three T20Is on the Sri Lanka tour, but Rahul has been considered for ODIs only. This indicates that the selectors are not yet convinced of his T20 credentials.Rahul's omission from the T20 World Cup squad is a setback for the player, but he will be determined to prove his worth in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. He will be looking to score big runs and help India win the series.

KL Rahul's Stellar IPL Performance Strengthens His Case for T20 World Cup SelectionFormer Mumbai Indians pacer Mitchell McClenaghan and ex-Australian cricketer Tom Moody have hailed Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul's recent IPL performance as a testament to his credentials for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad.Rahul, who missed the first Test against England due to a quadriceps injury, has made a strong comeback in the IPL. Despite a slow start, he has showcased his class with an impressive 82-run knock against the Chennai Super Kings.McClenaghan believes that Rahul has always been a contender for the World Cup squad, and his IPL performance has only solidified his position. "KL has always been a contender; it is just how well he performs in the IPL leading up to the competition," McClenaghan said. "This is a very significant performance. I think his spirit will be high."Moody echoed McClenaghan's sentiments, stating that Rahul's recent form has put him in contention for a spot in the team. "There is a cue in that particular department that the top-order batter but keeper also. He has certainly put his name on the table," Moody added.Rahul's return to form is a major boost for the Lucknow Super Giants, who are currently in a strong position in the IPL standings. They will next face the Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, where Rahul will look to continue his impressive run and further enhance his chances of World Cup selection.