Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer feels that KL Rahul’s chances of making it to the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup will increase if he is able to lead the franchise well in the upcoming season of the IPL.
Rahul, who last played a T20I international during the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, is one of the players in the mix for the wicketkeeper-batter spot in the team. The LSG skipper was in fine form in the white-ball format during the ODI World Cup 2023.
Langer feels if Rahul can lead LSG to their first title, it means that he would have captain well and done his work as a batter and wicketkeeper. The former Aussie opener feels that for players like Rahul and Ravi bishnoi, focus more on their performances for the franchise in the IPL will boost their chances for the upcoming ICC event in the Caribbean and the US
“If KL can captain LSG to the IPL title, that means he would have captained well, batted well and kept wickets well. The message for players like KL and Bishi (Bishnoi) would be that the more they concentrate on doing well for LSG, their chances (of T20 World Cup) will increase,” said Langer.
Rahul arrived and joined the LSG camp on March 20 and Langer said that everyone is looking forward to linking up with the skipper and said that Rahul has been working hard ahead of his IPL return.
“He will be around for the first time with the boys. Everyone is looking forward to it. He has been working really hard, practicing, hitting a lot of balls,” said Langer.
Why is IPL 2024 important for KL Rahul?
After losing his spot after the T20 World Cup 2022, Rahul didn’t have much of an impact in the 2023 season of the IPL and was forced to withdraw from the competition mid-way due to an injury. The competition for the wicketkeeper spot is high at the moment with the likes of Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson all vying for the spot.
The return of Rishabh Pant has also spiced up the competition and Rahul would need to be at his best to boost his chances.
LSG will begin their 2024 IPL campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 24.
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