KL Rahul thrashed by Gautam Gambhir's team management and BCCI after Chennai Test

KL Rahul's much-anticipated return to Test cricket after a lengthy seven-month absence has quickly turned into a nightmare. Following an injury that sidelined him during the home Test series against England earlier this year, Rahul’s comeback has been nothing short of disappointing.

KL Rahul’s recent outings in red-ball cricket, including a poor show in the Duleep Trophy 2024, have raised alarm bells within the Indian cricket team management, as they are reportedly far from convinced by the once-reliable batter’s current form in Test cricket.

KL Rahul’s Test comeback turns sour as his India future in jeopardy

The persistent issue with the batting approach of the right-handed batter, especially not being able to make the right decisions at critical moments, has reportedly resurfaced at the worst possible time.

In his only appearance during the Duleep Trophy 2024, he made only 37 runs from 111 balls in the first inning, sparking criticism for his defensive approach and inability to seize opportunities.

However, KL Rahul anchored the innings with a patient 57-run knock in the second inning, but his reluctance to play aggressive shots during a crucial chase exposed deeper issues with his mindset. The troubles followed him to the recent first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.

KL Rahul once again found himself under fire. With India reeling from a top-order collapse, the 32-year-old was expected to deliver, but he left the Indian team disappointed by playing another poor knock of 16 runs off 52 balls.

His continuous poor performances have been increasing frustration, raising questions about his ability to adapt to pressure situations and his place in India’s Test side.

However, the Karnataka batter displayed some flashes of aggression in a brief cameo of an unbeaten 22 off 19 balls in the second innings during Team India’s 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test against Bangladesh.

'Rahul looked to be in kind of a shell'

Meanwhile, it is said that KL Rahul is playing like a man under siege, unwilling to break free from his shell, and it was evident during the Duleep Trophy as well.

Adding fuel to the fire is the presence of Sarfaraz Khan, as the young batting sensation is waiting in the wings to grab the opportunity. Sarfaraz has already made a strong case for himself with impressive performances against England.

A BCCI official has told The Telegraph: “There is a sense that Rahul looked to be in kind of a shell, especially in the first innings. That was not just in Chennai, but in this year’s Duleep Trophy too.”

With a long Test season ahead, pressure is mounting on Rahul to rediscover his old spark, or he may soon find himself edged out by the hungry youngster Sarfaraz, who is eager to claim the No. 6 spot in India’s batting lineup. India is set to play 10 Tests this season, starting with the Bangladesh series.

Notably, KL Rahul has been retained alongside Sarfaraz for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, but it remains to see whether he will get a chance in Kanpur. The India vs Bangladesh Test match is scheduled for September 27.