KL Rahul to be soon out of India Test and ODI teams

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has delivered a sharp assessment of KL Rahul's future with the Indian cricket team. He claimed that Rahul's place in India's Test and ODI teams could soon be in jeopardy if he fails to regain his form.

Once seen as a potential Team India captain across all formats, Rahul now finds himself under immense scrutiny, especially after being dropped from the T20I team. His position in the Test and ODI setup is not also safe anymore, as the competition for spots heats up.

Sanjay Manjrekar sounds alarm on KL Rahul’s struggles, warns of growing competition

Speaking about Test cricket, the right-handed batter’s journey in the traditional formats of the game has been disappointing. Despite 51 appearances in Tests, Rahul has never fully established himself as a reliable batter in India’s lineup.

His tally of 2901 runs at an average of 34.12 reflects the inconsistency that has haunted the Karnataka batter’s Test career. And Manjrekar said that the numbers have simply not lived up to the expectations for a player with immense talent, and with every passing series, the pressure mounts on Rahul as the calls for him to be replaced grow louder.

As Rahul continues to battle for his place in the Indian team, the growing competition within the team threatens to push him further down the pecking order.

A host of talented batters are knocking on the door and ready to seize any opportunity at the highest level, and Manjrekar said that if Rahul doesn’t find a way to silence the critics and regain his form, his days in the team could be numbered.

KL Rahul is somebody I will keep a close eye on Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “KL Rahul is somebody I will keep a close eye on. Look at whether his inherent trait of not getting into that top form, high confidence phase, can get there and keep his confidence intact and play freely, as he did in the second innings of the last Test.

I think I will watch that, and if you continue to see KL Rahul play in the fashion that he has done in 50 Test matches, then there are many batters out there, especially when you are playing in India, knocking heavily on that door to get into that playing XI.”

Furthermore, Manjrekar has openly accused the Indian team management and selections committee of favoritism in Rahul’s case. When discussing whether Sarfaraz Khan could take Rahul's place in the Indian team, the cricket pandit opined that there are individuals within the team management or selection committee who hold Rahul in high regard.

Manjrekar predicts tough road for struggling Rahul

And due to this Rahul has been getting continued chances despite his inconsistent performances, according to Manjrekar. However, with 51 Test matches under his belt and an average of 34, Rahul's form in the upcoming matches will be very crucial, and everybody will have an eye on him.

Manjrekar noted that if his current struggles persist, then the team management might start pondering Rahul's place in the team. Manjrekar signed off by saying, “I am sure someone there in the team management or selection committee has a high regard for KL Rahul. He has come back into the playing XI, despite the kind of performances he has had. So, ideally, they should be looking at KL Rahul in these two innings, and now in Kanpur.

If you see KL Rahul in the same mold as the first innings in the last Test, if that continues, there is uncertainty when he bats, then maybe you will start pondering on KL Rahul's long-term batting and selection.”