KL Due to his dismal performance in Test cricket over the previous several days, Rahul has been the topic of conversation. In the longest format, the starting batter has had a forgettable time at the plate as he has played ten innings without recording a half-century. His poor performance even cost him the vice-captaincy in Tests. Recently, there have been many discussions about removing him from the starting lineup for the Border Gavaskar Trophy’s final two Test matches.
Dinesh Karthik, an Indian batsman and wicketkeeper who is a member of the commentary team for the series, expressed sympathy for the struggling Indian opener. In the second innings of the second Test match between India and Australia in Delhi, Rahul was removed for just one run. In order to throw the ball towards goalkeeper Alex Carey, who eventually handled it safely, he flicked a back-of-a-length delivery only to discover Peter Handscomb at forward short leg. Handscomb was able to get his body and pads in the way of the ball.
According to Karthik, Rahul’s poor performance over the past ten innings may cause him to lose his spot in the starting XI for the third Test. “He also knows for a fact that if he’s going to be dropped for the next match, which is pretty much an eventuality, it is not because of the one innings, it is because of what has transpired in the last five-six Test matches. He is a class player. He is very good in all formats. At this point, I don’t think it’s the technique, it’s what is happening between the ears. He might need some time away from the game. Come back fresh for the ODIs,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Karthik went on to say that because he had experienced similar circumstances in his career, he understood Rahul’s struggles. He also admitted that he would go to the bathroom during certain times in his career and cry a little bit. “This is a professional world, you’ve got to deal with those sorrowful moments but as a player when I look at what he has gone through. Knowing this could have been your last innings when you get out that way. It has happened to me when you go into the dressing room, quietly walk into the toilet, and shed a tear or two. It’s not a nice feeling because there’s not much you can do,” he said.
Karthik reaffirmed the opinions of numerous analysts and supporters when he stated that for the final two Tests, Rahul will have to make way for Shubman Gill, who is in excellent form. The Tamil Nadu cricketer, though, was also very optimistic about Rahul’s ODI comeback. “Temporarily for the moment, I will have to go with Shubman Gill. He batted beautifully. There will be just one change in the India XI (for the third Test). I felt bad for KL Rahul. He has been under the scanner. But one thing is for sure, KL will come back strongly and when he does, there are not too many right-handed batters who can match him with the quality and range of shots,” Karthik added.