IPL 2018: Twitter wants KL Rahul as Indian opener instead of Rohit Sharma

KL Rahul has been one of the primary reasons why Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have been able to win six out of their nine games in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He scored a superlative 14-ball half-century against the Delhi Daredevils (DD) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, which kick-started Punjab’s campaign in a grand style.

The Karnataka-born cricketer hasn’t looked back ever since and his batting has gone from strength to strength. Following the opening game, he has taken his team to blistering starts on several occasions and subsequently, has laid the platform for a flourish by their batsmen in the death overs. To add to his delight, he got Chris Gayle as his opening partner, which has done a world of good to his confidence.

The rich vein of form for KL Rahul

The cricketer has recently mentioned that the Jamaican batsman has taken quite a bit of pressure away from him. The side led by Ravichandran Ashwin, played their last game against the Rajasthan Royals and Rahul played an awe-inspiring knock of 84 runs and remained not out. However, he shelved his natural instincts of taking the bowlers to the cleaners from the outset.

Rather, he put his head down and embarked on staying till the very end, bearing in mind the slow nature of the wicket and the vulnerability of the middle order. The 26-year old accomplished his half-century in 44 balls with a massive six over the third man region off Jofra Archer. Thereafter, he resorted back to his natural game and smacked the bowlers to all corners of the park.

Meanwhile, Twitter wants Rahul to replace Rohit Sharma as the opener of the Indian team. Rohit’s form hasn’t been overwhelming and barring a couple of useful knocks, he hasn’t been at his best by any means. While Rahul has scored 376 runs in nine games, Rohit has only managed 231 runs in ten games.

Here the tweets from fans

#KXIPvRR KL rahul should open for india in white ball cricket and rohit sharma at no. 4 as it will solve the middle muddle and makes the middle order very strong bcoz next to come is kartik dhoni and hardik pandya!!!

— Khushal Jobanputra (@Khushalkj777) May 7, 2018

Rohit Sharma Position in Danger!
KL RAHUL Was Just Outstanding Tonight.. He Must Be In #CWC19 or Else India RIP?#MIvKKR #KXIPvRR #klrahul #IPL2018 #VIVOIPL #VIVOIPL2018 #rohit

— HARSH (ABD17 & MSD7) (@Abd_MsdFC) May 6, 2018

Why not KL RAHUL in place of Rohit Sharma?? I repeat Why ?#KXIPvRR

— •Sudhanshu• (@beingsudhanshu_) May 6, 2018

@cricketaakash I think KL Rahul should replace Rohit Sharma in T20 internationals on the basis of current form#AakashVani #IPL2018

— Anif Mohammad (@AnifMohammad7) May 7, 2018

#CBhaveyoursay If IPL form is anything to go by, then kl Rahul and not Rohit sharma should now be Indian team opener! Isn't it?

— arnab (@arnabsaha610) May 4, 2018

I don't see Rohit sharma playing at the top ..hez far too inconsistent at the top so he has to make way for KL Rahul!!

— Sampreeth shetty (@Sampreethshett5) May 6, 2018

@BCCI don't do the mistake again by picking up Rohit sharma instead of KL Rahul for an opening spot @imVkohli @klrahul11 @ImRo45 @Imkl

— Capt. Hemant Kumar (@HemantCapt) May 6, 2018

Again I say Kl Rahul > Rohit Sharma
Rohit is in the team Oly coz of his 3 double ? and just talent?.. he is Hella inconsistent and can't play test matches outside India.. give Rahul a chance #RCBvMI #MumbaiIndians #Rcb

— Rayan Dsouza (@dsouzarayan10) May 1, 2018