KL Rahul is all set to challenge himself as a batsman against Pakistan in India's Asia Cup opening match to avenge the T20 World Cup loss last year. Rahul hasn't played any T20 Internationals in 2022 and will have to start as an opener with the same aggressive batting mindset that the team has been trying in recent times.

Vice-captain Rahul said in a press conference, "Every team wants to start with a win in a tournament like the World Cup. Unfortunately, this did not happen to us last year. So in the Asia Cup, there will be a big chance for us to retaliate. We are looking forward to this match."

Rahul was out of the game due to surgery and Kovid-19 infection. The 30-year-old star batsman made a comeback against Zimbabwe and led the team to a three-match ODI series win. Rahul said, "I am full of confidence before playing this tournament and I can focus on my skills. It doesn't matter how well I am batting in the nets. I want to challenge myself at the crease and this tournament will provide an opportunity.

“The tour of Zimbabwe was very important for me after coming back from injury. This series helped me understand how much I have recovered. It boosts your confidence and you can always assess your form and how your body is feeling by hitting the crease.

India and Pakistan have faced each other 14 times in the Asia Cup, in which India has won eight times while Pakistan has been able to register only five wins. On Sunday, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will have a chance to extend the lead.

Rahul said, “We are very excited. As players, we look forward to an India-Pakistan match in a big tournament. Competing against a good team is a great challenge for all of us. We have seen that our rivalry has a long history. The matches between the two teams are going to be tough competition. As players, we always want to play against each other and this is a good opportunity for all of us.

Rahul said, "Like fans, we too cannot stay away from the emotions which automatically come during these matches. When we were young, we always wanted to play such matches. But as soon as the game starts, forgetting everything and going to the next ball."

He said, "I have been a part of such matches since 2019. Once you're on the field, it's a bat-and-ball game. You see your opponent as your opponent and try to do your best.