KL Rahul had a remarkable performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with the exception of the final match against Australia. The right-handed batsman accumulated 452 runs throughout the tournament, establishing himself as a key player in the middle order alongside Shreyas Iyer. Nevertheless, despite India having participated in only three ODIs since the home World Cup, there are ongoing discussions regarding Rahul's position in the playing XI. With Rishabh Pant posing a challenge for his spot, the specific combination that captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir intend to adopt remains uncertain.

Is there a possibility for Pant to secure a place in India's Playing XI? Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar suggests that Pant may need to bide his time, as it appears that both players cannot be accommodated in the same lineup. The upcoming three-match ODI series against England will offer crucial insights into the management's strategy leading up to the Champions Trophy. On the eve of the ODI in Nagpur, captain Rohit Sharma nearly confirmed KL Rahul’s inclusion in the team, highlighting the significance of maintaining "continuity."

"I don't believe both can be included in a single lineup. You are correct that the team composition tends to favor right-handers, particularly in the top six. We have previously observed how Jadeja has been utilized in batting at 4 or 5, depending on the game's requirements," Bangar stated in response to a query from Hindustan Times during a media interaction.

"Thus, they have the advantage of having Jadeja at number 7, who can effectively fulfill the role of a left-hander during the middle overs, especially when facing left-arm spinners or leg spinners, which teams often rely on. Therefore, I think Rishabh Pant may still encounter challenges in breaking into the Playing XI immediately," he concluded.

Mohammed Siraj a quality bowler

Bangar expresses his belief in Mohammed Siraj's capabilities as a bowler and contests Rohit's assertion that the pacer is less effective with an older ball. Despite Siraj's commendable statistics in One Day Internationals, he was not selected for the ODI series against England or the Champions Trophy. The situation is further complicated by Jasprit Bumrah's injury concerns, making Siraj's exclusion a significant issue.

"This question was posed to Rohit during the press conference, providing insight into the team management's perspective. They seem to prefer utilizing Siraj primarily with the new ball. However, it is somewhat precarious to define players as only effective during specific phases," Bangar remarked in response to another inquiry from Hindustan Times.

"To address your question, I am somewhat taken aback by Siraj's omission from the squad, especially considering his contributions to the winning team. He performed admirably during the middle overs in several matches, notably against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, where he successfully disrupted a crucial partnership. Additionally, his performance in the Asia Cup, where he claimed five wickets against Sri Lanka in the final, underscores his status as a leading bowler for India. While the rationale provided suggests a focus on phase suitability, I maintain that a quality player should be recognized for their overall talent, regardless of the phase," he concluded.

Shreyas an excellent player of spin

Bangar expressed high regard for Shreyas Iyer, emphasizing that the right-handed batsman often goes unnoticed. He remarked that Shreyas has rightfully earned his achievements, having consistently performed admirably in his designated role.

"Regrettably, an injury interrupted what appeared to be a promising Test career. However, he is an exceptional player against spin, a skill that is crucial, as he can effectively counter spin bowling and advance down the wicket. The team sought a batsman of his caliber for the No. 4 and No. 5 positions, and he excelled in that capacity. It is wonderful to have him back, and it is true that he often remains underappreciated, which reflects the overall quality of Indian batting," stated Bangar.

"With so many outstanding players like Shubman, Rohit, Virat, KL, and Hardik in the lineup, it is understandable that he might not always receive the spotlight. Nevertheless, this does not diminish his effectiveness. He has fulfilled his role exceptionally well and deserves all the accolades, having been a prominent performer in the domestic circuit for many years," he added.

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