Day 5 of the 3rd Test at Lord’s, India needed a good start to chase 193. Instead Rahul was back in the pavilion early, LBW to Ben Stokes.
Also Read – Blatant Cheating Against India at Lord’s?
And the dismissal didn’t just hurt India’s chances it opened the floodgates of criticism again.
The numbers don’t lie. KL Rahul averages 34 in Test cricket. He’s been around for almost a decade and still hasn’t delivered the kind of match winning knocks fans expect.
Also Read – “Grow Some Balls!” Why Fans Missing Virat Kohli?
No Gabba like miracle, no Headingley heroics not even one memorable 4th innings rescue in recent memory.
So the question is: How long will India carry a player who doesn’t deliver in crunch moments?
Also Read – England Beats India: Jadeja Lone Warrior or Choker?
Shouldn’t we be investing in young players with hunger and temperament for red ball cricket?
His dismissal at Lord’s sparked more than just criticism it sparked controversy. Not given out on field, England reviewed and the DRS showed the ball crashing into middle stump. KL Rahul was gone and Sunil Gavaskar was furious.
“I’m questioning the technology” said Gavaskar on air.
He hinted that DRS behaves differently when India is bowling like the Root LBW review a day earlier where the ball was barely kissing the stumps and India got nothing.
It’s not the first time Rahul has been backed heavily by selectors despite poor returns. Even after long gaps in form he finds a place in the squad.
And more importantly how long can potential be the excuse when performances aren’t showing up on the scoreboard?
Other players with better domestic and IPL numbers are waiting. Yet Rahul with no hundred in recent Tests and no impact under pressure keeps getting the nod.
India’s 22 run loss at Lord’s was tough to watch. While Ravindra Jadeja fought till the end the rest of the batting order folded without much resistance. KL Rahul again was part of that collapse.
It’s not just about one match or one dismissal it’s about years of underachievement.
Is it finally time for Indian cricket to move on from KL Rahul in Tests? Or will this cycle of disappointment continue?
