The former Pakistani skipper blames the BCCI for KL Rahul’s poor form in Test cricket
KL Rahul had a forgettable spell in Test cricket for India during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 30-year-old failed to hit any big runs in the first two games despite being favored over the in-form Shubman Gill. KL’s inability to hit big runs in home conditions drew heavy criticism from many of the game’s former greats and pundits.
Updated 03/19/2023 | 10:45 AM IST
KL Rahul was dropped from India’s Playing XI and sacked as vice-captain after failing to shoot in the first two Tests.
Photo: ANI
Before launching the first ODI, KL went through a lean period in international cricket. He was dropped from the Playing XI in Test format after consistently not hitting big runs. He was even dropped from the Test vice-captain with many asking questions about his form and his place in the side. He has been labeled a flat-track bully and someone who only scores runs in the IPL.
“KL Rahul was criticized a lot during his lean period. I believe India’s selection committee is to blame for Rahul’s criticism. They consistently kept playing him even though he was out of shape. They exposed him by doing that even though he had a in-form player like Shubman Gill in the squad. Yes, you have to give your players confidence, but that also comes through communication and you can protect them from unnecessary criticism,” said Butt.
Although KL has scored 150 points in Test cricket since early 2022, KL was assisted against Gill in the first two games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading to heavier criticism for him.
