The KL Rahul question – Time for India to drop or persist?

India completed a thumping victory over Australia in Delhi just within three days. Their next Test begins on 1st March and in the interim, we have a burning question in front of us. Or so it seems. It is whether to drop KL Rahul or persist with him in another Test match as an opener. Former Indian cricketer, Venkatesh Prasad, has vehemently opposed KL Rahul’s further selection. Let’s dive deeper into this case.

KL Rahul’s return to the Test squad and subsequent failures

The earliest India appearance for KL Rahul was in whites back in 2014. After his debut in Sydney, the Karnataka batter went on to become India’s preferred opener. In the next five years, he scored Test centuries and fifties all around the world. His exploits include 110 in Sydney, 108 in Colombo, 158 in Jamaica, 199 in Jamaica and 149 at The Oval. His golden phase lasted from 2015 to November 2017 where he went past 50 in 14 of his 30 Test innings.

However, Rahul’s form tapered off in late 2017 and he was soon dropped from the Indian Test squad. He re-emerged on the scene as a middle-order batter. But fate had a different plan for him. India’s opening options all fell prey to injuries ahead of the first Test against England in 2021. Rahul opened for India alongside Rohit Sharma and played a crucial knock of 84 in Trent Bridge. In the following Test at Lord’s, Rahul further boosted his credential with match-winning innings of 129.

In the subsequent tour to South Africa, KL Rahul did celebrate another overseas ton but it proved to be a short-lived peak in a deep and dark valley. His recent form indicates his struggle in red-ball cricket.

Backing of team management

The Indian team management has been staunchly backing KL Rahul despite his recent struggles. After the conclusion of the 2nd Test against Australia, Rohit Sharma said, “Of late there has been a lot of talk about his (KL Rahul) batting, but for us as team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I was asked in the past about a lot of players, and if the guy has potential, guys will get that extended run. It’s not just about KL, but anyone.”

Although the management has cleared its stand, the BCCI selectors did show their apprehension towards backing KL Rahul in future. When they announced India’s squad for the next two Tests, they took away KL Rahul’s vice-captaincy. The next Test in Indore may well be the final dice Team India will roll in Rahul’s favour. Unless he saves his place with a defining inning, it is imperative that Shubman Gill will get an opportunity at the opening slot. Whether to drop KL Rahul or not will be a definite consideration ahead of the fourth Test, if not the third.