Kl Rahul suffering the bad form: ICC T20 World Cup
In their first two games of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, India has triumphed. Although the team appears to be in decent shape overall, they still have a few issues to resolve. The Indian opening batters’ inability to provide them with strong beginnings is one of the main problems.
If India’s opening issues were examined more closely. It would become evident that KL Rahul’s inability to fulfill his obligations is adding to the strain on Rohit Sharma. Rohit has therefore had to alter his strategy and engage in activities that are outside of his comfort zone.
Rahul has been hailed as one of the most gifted batsmen and likely the team’s torchbearer after the Kohli-Rohit era. But based on his performances so far, he has been unable to support the allegations.
In bilateral matchups or games where India was not under pressure in international events. He has been outstanding with the bat. However, KL has fallen short in games where India needed the flare for him to get off to a strong start. Let’s examine his most recent T20I performances in bilateral series and multi-nation competitions.
KL Rahul’s performance in last few series
| SERIES | RUNS | AVERAGE | STRIKE RATE |
| ICC T20 2021 | 194 | 48.5 | 152.76 |
| INDIA VS NZ 2021-22 | 80 | 40 | 126.98 |
| ASIA CUP 2022 | 132 | 26.4 | 122.22 |
| INDIA VS AUS 2022 | 66 | 26.4 | 122.22 |
| INDIA VS SOUTH AFRICA | 108 | 108 | 128.57 |
| ICC T20 2022 | 13 | 6.5 | 65 |
Except for the T20 World Cup in 2021, KL Rahul’s performance in international competitions has been atrocious. Now that we’ve discussed his performance at the 2021 T20 World Cup. let’s have a look at the teams he scored runs against.
KL Rahul’s performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup
| OPPOSITION | RUNS | BALLS | STRIKE RATE |
| PAKISTAN | 3 | 8 | 37.5 |
| NEW ZEALND | 18 | 16 | 112.5 |
| AFGHANISTAN | 69 | 48 | 143.75 |
| SCOTLAND | 50 | 19 | 263.16 |
| NAMIBIA | 54* | 36 | 150 |
As can be seen, all of his half-centuries came against opponents that lacked a strong bowling attack. Additionally, India was essentially out from the competition after losing the first two games to Pakistan and New Zealand. Thus he was not under any pressure to qualify. No pressure, weaker bowling attacks, and KL delivered as a result.
Even if India Wins the T20 World Cup the form will be taken in the consideration:
| OPPOSITION | RUNS | BALLS | STRIKE RATE |
| PAKISTAN | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| HONG KONG | 36 | 39 | 92.31 |
| PAKISTAN | 28 | 20 | 140 |
| SRI LANKA | 6 | 7 | 85.71 |
| AFGHANISTAN | 62 | 41 | 151.22 |
In this case as well, KL lost to Pakistan in the first game. In the Super 8 round he fell short against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But he produced a gem in the most recent game against Afghanistan, scoring 62 runs off of just 41 balls.
What is the case of Kl Rahul?
In the matches where there is no pressure on him. Kl Rahul performs the good class and he is praised for his class. But when it comes to performing for the important match. He fails to deliver the cricket he owns to perform when he is free in his way.
Therefore, this seems that there are no in-form and out-form issues for the cricketer or maybe it is. But the cricketer is dealing with a lot of pressure during this ICC T20 World cup 2022, because of his underwhelming performance in the games played so far.
He is always been performing in the past and shown good cricket to the fans. He should learn to handle the pressure on big platforms like the ICC T20 World cup. Indian Players are given full freedom to perform. And take their time on the pitch and in the team as well. Despite his un under-performance. Rahul is in the playing 11 he should thank the skipper and the skipper and the selection. The management has shown faith in the cricketer’s come to his form. Also, some changes can be seen due to Karthik’s injury. Therefore Panth can be seen in the team.
