Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad called Rahul’s addition nothing but ‘favoritism’ while former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has joined the discussion, recommending a little more time should be given to the Karnataka fellow.
In the first Test, India beat Australia by an inning and 132 runs in Nagpur while Australia was all out for just 91 in their second inning in the session between lunch and tea but not everything is well as far as the team India selection goes.
However, the thing was one more disheartening excursion by opening batter KL Rahul, calls for him to be hacked out heightened, with former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad calling his addition nothing but ‘favoritism’.
Now, former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has joined the discussion, recommending a little more time should be given to the Karnataka fellow.
Prasad, in a series of tweets, had questioned Rahul’s addition, especially over an in-form player like Shubman Gill who is looking on the bench. Even Gavaskar conceded that Gill could be allowed an opportunity, but not in the second Test which is to be held in Delhi.
“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 said in a chat on India Today.
“He should 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 be stuck here. However, based on his ability, he should get another chance,”
he added.
“Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favoritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years not converted potential into performances,”
Prasad had written on Twitter.
Citing the veteran batter’s Test statistics an average of 34.07 in 46 games, Prasad even criticized the team management’s decision to make him vice-captain. Instead, the retired pacer upheld Ravichandran Ashwin to be made Rohit’s deputy.
“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 & top form. Shubhman Gill is in sublime form, Sarfaraz (Khan) has been scoring tons in FC (first-class) cricket and many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul,”
he said, questioning the team’s persistence with Rahul.