Ever since KL Rahul was dismissed for just 20 runs in the first innings of the ongoing first Test between India and Australia in Kanpur, he has been criticized from all quarters and rightly so. India’s openers have been inconsistent in Test cricket. He scored a hundred in South Africa last year, but Rahul was poor in the Bangladesh Tests earlier this year and remains a cautious and nervous starter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023. He took 71 balls for his 21 runs which included a four on his arrival into the bat.
Former India fast bowler and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad did not mince his words while analyzing Rahul’s Test career. Keeping his views on Twitter, he wrote that even after 46 Tests, Rahul averages 34 in Tests and this number is quite normal.
“I have a lot of respect for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been abysmal. A Test average of 34 after 46 Tests and over 8 years in international cricket is normal. Can’t think of many people who have been given so many chances. Especially when there are so many waiting in the wings and in top form,” Prasad wrote.
He said that with Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan as lifebloods, scoring runs in white-ball and domestic cricket, Rahul is lucky to get so many opportunities.
I have a lot of respect for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been underwhelming. A Test average of 34 after 46 Tests and over 8 years in international cricket is normal. Can’t even think of many people who have been given so many opportunities. Specially..continued
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023
When there are so many waiting in the wings and in top form. Shubman Gill is in scintillating form, Sarfaraz is scoring tons in FC cricket and there are many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul. Some are lucky enough to be given endless chances until they become successful while some are not allowed to. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023
Rahul was not selected on the basis of performance but on the basis of favoritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and hasn’t converted potential into performance for someone who’s been around for 8 years.
One of the reasons why many former cricketers are not vocal despite seeing such biases.. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023
Likely to be ruled out of potential IPL gigs. They wouldn’t want to rub the captain of a franchise the wrong way, as most people in today’s era prefer nods and blind approvers. Often well wishers are your best critics but times have changed and people don’t want to tell the truth – Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023
Prasad said, “Shubman Gill is in great form, Sarfaraz is scoring tons in FC cricket and there are many who deserve a chance before Rahul. do not become successful while some are not allowed.”
Furthermore, Prasad said that Rahul’s selection was not based on performance but on favoritism. “He has been consistently inconsistent and hasn’t converted potential into performance for someone who has been around for 8 years. Not many former cricketers are outspoken despite seeing such favoritism.”
There will be a lot of pressure on Rahul when he comes out to bat in the next few innings. With Gill already in the team, if Rahul doesn’t score runs, the management will have no option but to drop him.