KL Rahul‘s Test performance and the controversy surrounding his selection have been a topic of discussion in the cricket community, as India took on Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test cricket series. In the first Test match in Nagpur, The opener was dismissed for 20 off 71 balls, playing a loose shot off the bowling of Australian spinner Todd Murphy.
Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has criticized Team India selectors for giving KL Rahul so many chances despite his below-par performances. Prasad called Rahul’s average of 34 after 46 tests in international cricket as “ordinary.” He also claimed that Rahul’s selection as vice-captain is based on “favouritism” and not on merit. Prasad also questioned the Indian team management’s decision to go with Rahul instead of Shubman Gill, who is also in the squad.
Prasad compared Rahul’s performance with other players such as Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravindra Jadeja, who he believed have had a better impact in Tests. He also criticized the lack of vocalism among team India members on such “favouritism.”
Controversy Surrounds KL Rahul’s Selection and Performance in India vs Australia Test Series
Even veteran cricketer Kapil Dev had raised questions about KL Rahul’s selection before the India-Australia Test series. He said, “I consider him to be a fine batter but if he doesn’t fit in the team, then let it be.”
Despite Rahul’s poor performance in the first Test, the Indian team went on to win the match by an innings and 132 runs. Rohit Sharma scored a fantastic century, and Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel both scored half-centuries. Mohammed Shami also contributed some quickfire runs to help India reach the 400-run mark. India then bowled out the Australian team for an embarrassing 91 runs in the second innings.
The question remains, should KL Rahul be given another chance in the next Test, or should he be replaced by someone else? It’s a tough call for the Indian team management, but it will be interesting to see their decision. The decision ultimately rests on the captain and the management of the team, as the team’s success always comes first. Regardless of their decision, the controversy surrounding KL Rahul’s performance is sure to continue.
