Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has come out in support of struggling opener KL Rahul, stating that the 30-year-old should not be dropped from the Indian side despite his poor form in the first two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rahul’s position in the playing XI has been under the scanner after his underwhelming numbers, which led to him being removed as the vice-captain of the Indian red-ball team.
Former India international Venkatesh Prasad has also been vocal about Rahul’s poor form, stating that he should not be getting so many opportunities. However, Gambhir believes that Rahul should be backed as every cricketer goes through a lean patch in their careers.
“You have to back players who have talent. Look at Rohit Sharma. He also had a lean patch. Look at the way he started his career. He had a late flourish. Compared (earlier times) to how he is performing now. Everyone could see his talent and backed him. Now see the result. He is going great guns. Rahul can do the same,” Gambhir said as quoted by The Times of India.
The 41-year-old added that since India are currently leading the series 2-0, there is no need to axe anyone and everyone should rather appreciate the team’s performance. He also called Rahul a great player and appreciated him for scoring runs in international cricket.
“India is 2-0 up and not 0-2 down. So let’s not axe anyone and appreciate the team’s performance. I think the Indian team management is right in backing KL Rahul. He is a great player. He had scored runs in international cricket,” Gambhir added.
Gambhir’s comments come after the selection committee’s decision to remove Rahul as the vice-captain of the Indian red-ball team due to his poor form. However, it remains to be seen whether Rahul will retain his place in the playing XI for the third Test of the series.
