- Indian Team: Former Indian player Aakash Chopra told how KL Rahul can be dropped from India’s Test team after T20 International.
Source : Social Media
Aakash Chopra On KL Rahul:
India’s star wicketkeeper batsman KL Rahul’s name is slowly disappearing from Team India. Rahul has already been removed from the T20 team and now there seems to be a plan to remove him from the Test team as well. Former Indian team batsman Aakash Chopra explained how KL Rahul can be dropped from the Test team.
Let us tell you that Duleep Trophy is to be played from 5th September. Many such Indian players will be seen playing in this trophy, who are making a splash in international cricket. KL Rahul’s name is also included in the list of playing Duleep Trophy. BCCI had announced four teams for Duleep Trophy, in which KL Rahul is a part of Team ‘A’. Wicketkeeper batsman Dhruv Jurel is also present in this team along with Rahul, on which Akash Chopra expressed concern and explained the shocking mathematics.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “KL Rahul is in the same Duleep Trophy team as Dhruv Jurel. I think Dhruv Jurel will play as wicketkeeper which means KL Rahul will not be your Test wicketkeeper.”
He has been discharged from the T20 team
Indian men’s team chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said in one of his press conferences that the selection committee is not looking at Rahul in the T20 team setup at the moment. Rahul was also not selected for the T20 World Cup 2024. Apart from this, Rahul’s name was also missing from the T20 series held on the Sri Lanka tour. Rahul played his last T20 International match for Team India in November 2022, which was the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Now it will be interesting to see whether Rahul makes a comeback in T20 or he is gone forever.
KL Rahul ❌
— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) August 20, 2024
Dhruv Jurel ✅
Aakash Chopra thinks KL Rahul will now not play as a wk in Tests. 😳#KLRahul pic.twitter.com/8SLK1oVRz3
KL Rahul, once regarded as one of India’s most promising cricketers, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Following his recent exclusion from the T20 format, there’s growing speculation that Rahul might soon face a similar fate in Test cricket. A former Indian legend has delved into the situation, explaining the factors that might lead to Rahul’s exit from the longest format of the game.
KL Rahul’s Journey in Test Cricket
KL Rahul burst onto the Test scene with a debut in 2014 against Australia, showing glimpses of brilliance with his fluent stroke play and adaptability. Over the years, Rahul has played several memorable innings, including a magnificent 199 against England in Chennai and a century in England during the 2018 series. However, despite his talent and occasional flashes of brilliance, consistency has eluded him.
In recent years, Rahul’s performance in Test cricket has been underwhelming. With an average hovering around the mid-30s and frequent struggles in overseas conditions, questions have been raised about his place in the Test side. His inability to convert starts into big scores and the increasing competition for the opening slots have only added to the pressure.
The Current Scenario: Why Rahul Might Be Out of Test Cricket
- Inconsistent Performances: Despite being given ample opportunities, Rahul has failed to cement his place in the Test team. His last few outings have been particularly disappointing, with low scores and a visible struggle against both pace and spin. The Indian team management is likely considering more consistent performers who can deliver under pressure.
- Emergence of Young Talent: The rise of young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad has intensified the competition for spots in the Test team. These players have not only shown promise but have also delivered in crucial situations, making it difficult for someone like Rahul to justify his place.
- Shifting Focus to Other Formats: KL Rahul has found success in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the IPL and ODIs, where his aggressive style of play and adaptability have made him a valuable asset. The Indian team management might decide to utilize Rahul’s skills more effectively in the shorter formats, reducing his role in Test cricket.
- Selectors’ Dilemma: According to the former Indian legend, the selectors are in a dilemma. They need to strike a balance between giving established players like Rahul a fair chance and rewarding in-form youngsters. With the Test team already facing challenges in overseas tours, the selectors might opt for a lineup that is in form and has the potential to perform consistently, even if it means letting go of seasoned players like Rahul.
What the Future Holds for KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s potential exit from Test cricket doesn’t necessarily signal the end of his international career. Instead, it could be a strategic move to allow him to focus on formats where he can truly excel. With the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup on the horizon, Rahul could play a crucial role in India’s campaign, especially as a versatile batsman capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating when needed.
While the possibility of Rahul being dropped from the Test side looms large, it’s essential to remember that cricket careers are often marked by comebacks. Rahul has the talent, experience, and determination to fight his way back, should he choose to do so.
Conclusion
The cricketing world is rife with speculation, and only time will tell if KL Rahul’s Test career is truly coming to an end. However, the insights provided by the former Indian legend suggest that the writing might already be on the wall. As India continues to evolve its Test lineup, the focus will undoubtedly be on players who can consistently perform at the highest level. For KL Rahul, this might mean a shift in focus, but his journey in cricket is far from over.
