India may have won the first Test against Australia by an innings and 132 runs, but all is not well in terms of team selection. After what was another disappointing performance from lead-off hitter KL Rahul, he is calling for stepping up, with former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad calling his selection nothing but ‘favouritism’. Now former India batsman Sunil Gavaskar has joined the debate, suggesting that a little more time should be given to the boy from Karnataka.
Prasad had questioned Rahul’s selection in a series of tweets, especially due to a player on form like Shubman Gill waiting to be benched. Even Gavaskar admitted that Gill could get a chance but not in the second test to be held in Delhi.
“I feel the way he has been batting for the past 1-2 years, he performed well. I think he should be given another chance. I am sure he will be supported for the test match in Delhi. After that you can give it is a thought as you have a batsman in form ready to replace him, Shubman Gill,” Gavaskar said in a chat on India Today.
“He should definitely be given a chance. Even when Vikram Rathour came to the press conference, he had reminded that he scored a century in South Africa. He has the ability, but he has been out of shape lately… scoring against Australia is a big challenge in itself and getting those runs gives a morale boost. But he could be stuck here. However, based on his abilities, 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, he has failed to translate his potential into performance,” Prasad wrote on Twitter.
Citing the veteran batsman’s test stats – averaging 34.07 in 46 games – Prasad even questioned the team management’s decision to make him vice-captain. Instead, the retired pacemaker pleaded for Ravichandran Ashwin to become Rohit’s deputy.
“A test average of 34 after 46 tests and over 8 years in international cricket is common. I can’t think of many who have been given so many chances.”
“When so many are waiting in the wings and in top form. Shubhman Gill is in superb form, Sarfaraz (Khan) has scored a lot in FC (first class) cricket and many who deserve a chance for Rahul,” he said, the persistence of the team with Rahul questioning.
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