Former Indian cricketer Venkatapathy Raju has come out in support of the struggling star KL Rahulurging the team management to give him another chance despite a dismal performance in the opening Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand.
After registering disappointing scores of 0 and 12 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, KL Rahul has faced heavy criticism for his lackluster performance after Indian teamThe eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand. Now, his place in India’s XI is under massive scrutiny.
Venkatapathy Raju backs KL Rahul for Pune Test despite failure in Bengaluru
However, Venkatapathy Raju believes that KL Rahul’s vast experience should earn him a place in India’s XI for the second Test against New Zealandstarting October 24 at the MCA Stadium in Pune, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability in the team.
Since 2022, the 32-year-old right-hander has faced a major decline in form, amassing just 514 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 25.7, with just one century and three fifties to his name. Overall, the Karnakata batsman has 2,981 runs to his name in 53 matches, at an average of 33.87.
He has smashed eight centuries and fifteen half-centuries in his Test career so far. Meanwhile, Venkatapathy Raju strongly believes that benching Rahul after a poor outing is not justified. He stated that the Indian cricket team needs experienced players, especially with the upcoming challenges in mind, including a five-match Test series in Australia.
The former cricketer has full confidence in Rahul’s ability to bounce back strongly as the Indian cricket team aims to level the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand in the second Test at the Stadium. Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) in Pune.
I don’t think we should play with the playing XI: Venkatapathy Raju
He emphasized that India is currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, and would give the team the confidence to regroup and perform better in the upcoming Pune Test against New Zealand.
Venkatapathy Raju was quoted by the Times of India: “I don’t think we should alter the XI. If I were the captain, I would go on the same side. You need experienced hands on your team. You can’t bench KL Rahul after just one Test match. He is an experienced batsman and should play the next Test.
There is no need to panic. India remains at the top of the WTC rankings. Rohit is a positive captain. They come in with a positive approach and know that what’s done is done, and now it’s time to level the series. “I’m sure he will.”
Venkatapathy Raju backs KL Rahul to bounce back strong with support
With Rohit Sharma leading the way, Raju said he trusts the captain’s positive mindset and urged the hosts to play Rahul in the second Test against New Zealand. Amid calls to dump Rahul, Raju said panic is unnecessary.
Raju said goodbye saying: “India should think about those five Tests in Australia and not panic. Let’s play KL Rahul in the second Test and give him a chance. He will recover. He has experience. India just needs to get to work. That’s all.”