Why is KL Rahul trending on the internet? Know the whole story

Indian opening batsman, and part-time wicketkeeper, KL Rahul, is in conversation yet again. Like, always for not good reasons. In the recently concluded second test match of the Border-Gavaskar India vs Australia series, the player failed to impress. But, this isn’t the first time. 

The Controversy

India’s bowling legend Venkatesh Prasad took to Twitter to criticize the player’s performance. He basically stated that the player is in the team due to what he has done, but not due to what he is doing. In the thread, the veteran pace bowler said, 

“A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary.”  

I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Especially..cont

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023

According to a Twitter thread, KL Rahul has had an average of 26 runs since 2017 in test matches. 

There are comments that Rahul should be considered a wicketkeeper, and should play on the lower order, instead of as an opener. Shubham Gill, who is playing like a dream, should open with Captain Rohit Sharma. 

As per comments, it is also about sabotaging the careers of other talented players.

Context

The player has been under scrutiny for a while now for his poor performance. If you’re a top-order batsman, then the expectation from the team and fans is a lot. KL Rahul has been a very crucial part of the India team’s world cup chances. But, the player failed to deliver on those events as well.

Cricket fans claim that the player tends to score big runs against weaker teams like Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, and fails to perform in bigger events like the World cup, etc. And, the allegations are not entirely baseless. At the same time, there are people like Shubham Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan, and even Sarfarsh Khan, who are waiting for their chances in the Test Team at least. 

There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others pic.twitter.com/MAvHM01TcY

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023

KL Rahul started his international career with a blast. Then, he performed pretty well in the IPL but failed to impress as a captain. Then, the player has been out of the game due to unfortunate injuries, and personal reasons like marriage.

Conclusion

India is a cricket-playing nation. Everyone wants to be a batsman is only, is also a preferred choice. There are players which exceptional talent who never get a chance to play in the international arena ever. People who follow cricket are aware of such unfairness. 

No one doubts the talent of KL Rahul, but some cricket veterans insist that other players need to be given a chance. But, the Indian Team Management feels otherwise. They have said, that they will back KL Rahul, as these are difficult pitches to score runs.

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