KL Rahul’s remarkable return to white-ball cricket was one of the most important takeaways from India’s triumphant Asia Cup campaign. Former vice-captain Rahul capped off a successful performance with the willow for Rohit Sharma’s side in the ICC World Cup year to keep his position in the Indian squad. During the Asia Cup, the 31-year-old scored 169 runs in four games.

Due to a niggle, the versatile batter missed the whole Asia Cup group stage phase. In the Super 4 stage of the continental event, Rahul proclaimed his return to the Indian team with a match-changing century (111*) against Babar Azam’s Pakistan. The wicketkeeper-batter then played a crucial knock of 39 against defending champions Sri Lanka in the low-scoring match to seal Team India’s berth in the final.

Former India pacer Sreesanth has urged Rahul to prolong his free-scoring streak against Australia in light of Rahul’s spectacular return to the Indian team. I would encourage players like KL Rahul to play all of the games and keep the consistency that we discussed. Show Australia that the World Cup will be even more difficult for them. All we have to do is demoralize them and make sure we don’t lose, Sreesanth said.

It will be interesting to see the kind of pitches they offer to Australia in the series. But I want Bumrah to be rested if there is a niggle. Let him decide how his body is feeling. The use of fast bowlers would be crucial. They should rotate them and the fast bowlers should focus on bowling in partnerships, Sreesanth added.