‘I will go towards KL Rahul’ - Irfan Pathan opts for KL Rahul over Ishan Kishan against Pakistan for Super Four clash

Team India and Pakistan are all set to face off against each other in the Asia Cup 2023 once again. Both sides will take each other on in the Super Four stage of the tournament on Sunday, September 10, at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Also Check: Pakistan vs India Live Match Updates

Ahead of the clash, team India received a big boost as star batter KL Rahul returned from injury. Rahul sustained a thigh injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 and got out of contention for selection after it. However, with his return, India might look to make some changes in their lineup. 

Speaking of the same, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan came forward to opine that he would pick KL Rahul in place of Ishan Kishan for the high-octane clash against Pakistan. Pathan stated that Rahul needs to get as much match practice as possible with the ODI World Cup 2023 right around the corner.

"We and the fans are making it complicated. I feel the management is extremely clear about who they want to play. If you ask me, I will go towards KL Rahul but the team management can think differently. Everyone goes to practice. If I am Ishan Kishan, I won't want to miss any session because I will want to maintain my form," Irfan Pathan told Star Sports. 

"On the other hand, KL Rahul needs to do it. No matter how much he practices or goes on the ground, it is less because the World Cup is also around the corner, and you want as much practice as possible, play as many deliveries, and prepare fully. The decision is going to be interesting for sure. I will go with Rahul," he added.

Pathan also opined that Ishan Kishan is a straight replacement for KL Rahul, stating that Kishan won't be played in place of Shreyas Iyer. He also talked about both Rahul and Iyer’s forms prior to their respective injuries. 

"Ishan Kishan, it's a straight replacement. You won't want to play him in place of Shreyas Iyer. Yes, Shreyas Iyer is coming after injury but he is coming after scoring a lot of runs before that. KL Rahul also scored a lot of runs before injury," Pathan said.

Check Here: Most Runs in Asia Cup 2023