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Sunil Gavaskar backs under-fire opener KL Rahul to be in the playing XI against Australia

India easily defeated Australia in the opening Test of the four-match series. The Rohit Sharma-led squad defeated Australia by an inning and 132 runs in their second innings, dismissing Pat Cummins and company for 91. Ravindra Jadeja shone for India with a seven-wicket sweep and a half-century, while R Ashwin (eight wickets) and Rohit Sharma (120 runs) also chipped in.

KL Meanwhile, Rahul scored 20 runs before giving Todd Murphy his first Test wicket with a straightforward return catch. Concerns arose after Rahul was given precedence over the in-form Shubman Gill and failed to hit a significant score. Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad questioned Rahul’s inclusion in the team as well. Meanwhile, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the opening batsman deserves another opportunity.

Rahul has recently been going through a difficult period. In terms of the longest format, he last scored a fifty against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2022, and his highest score in the previous eight Test innings is 23.

Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad claims that his selection in the playing XI was based on partiality rather than competence.

“Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favouritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years not converted potential into performances,” Prasad stated on Twitter.

“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. When there are so many waiting in the wings & in top form. Shubhman Gill is in sublime form, Sarfaraz has been scoring tons in first class cricket and many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul,” he added.

However Gavaskar has endorsed under-fire batsman KL Rahul to play in the second Test against Australia in Delhi, noting his recent performance.

“I feel the way he has batted in the last 1-2 years, he performed well. I feel he should be given one more chance. I’m sure he will be backed for the Test match in Delhi. After that you can give it a thought because you have an in-form batter ready to replace him, Shubman Gill,” Gavaskar told reporters.

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal, who was also involved in the discussion, recalled batting Vikram Rathour’s support for Rahul at a recent news conference in which he sided with Gavaskar.

“He should definitely get a chance. Even when Vikram Rathour had come to the press conference he had reminded that he scored a century in South Africa. He does have the ability but he has been out of form lately…scoring against Australia is a big challenge in itself and getting those runs gives a morale boost. But he can been stuck here. However, based on his ability, he should get another chance,” he explained.

India and Australia will play the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 17 with a 1-0 advantage in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

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