ODI World Cup 2023: KL Rahul gives sharp reply to his fitness critics

Several experts and fans had slammed the selectors for selecting wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul in the Indian team for the upcoming ODI World Cup by raising question mark over his fitness level.

However, after returning from an injury, which sidelined him for over four months, Rahul has been in terrific form. Making a comeback in the Asia Cup, Rahul took just one match to stamp his authority that too in a high-octane clash against arch-rival Pakistan. Rahul stitched a huge partnership of 233-run with Virat Kohli as both the batters slammed unbeaten centuries.

Rahul’s work behind the stumps has also been equally good. However, there have been question marks raised over his fitness, especially when he was named in the Asia Cup squad but was only available from the Super 4 stage. Addressing the same, Rahul gave a strong response to the critics concerned about his fitness.

“Everyone has seen me playing in the Asia Cup. I played all the games in the Super Fours. I kept 50 overs, batted and scored runs as well, so I think that question is answered for everyone who were concerned about my fitness. Hopefully, I’ll carry on in the same way with a big two months coming up with the World Cup and the Australia series,” said Rahul during a recent interview.

“I knew when I would return to the side, I’d have to keep wickets and bat. The physical challenges are a lot more compared to when I am only batting. I knew this, so I worked very hard on my fitness. As cricketers, we know the challenges that we will have to face on the field and we try to replicate that at training and practice sessions,” he added.