New Delhi: As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 begins, speculation over India’s squad has reached fever pitch, with former opener Aakash Chopra making a sharp observation about KL Rahul’s uncertain place in the T20 setup.
The tournament, to be hosted in the UAE from September 9, will see India launch their campaign against the hosts on September 10. While official word from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is still awaited, reports suggest that big calls, including exclusions of star players, may be on the horizon.
Chopra, addressing fans’ questions on his YouTube channel, noted that Rahul’s skill and IPL record are undeniable, but his reputation for slowing down games could hurt his case. “He is a top-class player. In the IPL, no one has consistently piled up 600 runs like him. But the tag that he sometimes plays too slow has stuck to him, and that could cost him,” Chopra remarked.
The former opener drew attention to Rahul’s fluctuating mindset, claiming that at times he plays freely but on other occasions gets bogged down. “When his mind is clear, he bats like a dream. I still remember him hitting Bumrah for a six over cover in Indore brilliant stuff. But there are times he chooses caution when aggression is needed,” he said.
Adding to the selection drama is Rishabh Pant’s likely absence due to a leg injury sustained during the England Test series. With Pant’s unavailability, Rahul could still earn a place as a wicketkeeper-batter. Yet, whether selectors will prefer him in the T20 side given his last appearance in the format was in the 2022 World Cup semifinal loss to England remains the big question.
As India awaits the squad announcement, Rahul’s inclusion or snub is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about debates leading into the Asia Cup.