KL Rahul's dropping call comes from Pakistan after Bengaluru dismay

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked debate by suggesting a key change to India's lineup. ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. With KL Rahul going through a rough phase, scoring just 12 runs across two innings in Bengaluru, Basit called for justice for Sarfaraz Khan.

KL Rahul has been given opportunities again and again, but the middle-order batter continues to disappoint the Indian cricket team management, and another flop outing in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at the home ground has already raised questions about his place in the team.

Basit Ali calls for KL Rahul's ouster as Sarfaraz Khan shines in Bengaluru Test

Rahul was expected to deliver at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but he was just a disappointment, but it was Sarfaraz Khan who grabbed his chance with both hands that he got after Shubman Gill was sidelined due to a stiff neck and justified his selection with a maiden Test ton.

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Sarfaraz came in as a replacement for Shubman Gill and played an extraordinary knock of 150 runs in the second innings and solidified his spot in the Test team with his match-defining performance against New Zealand in the ongoing three-match Test series opener in Bengaluru.

After the end of Day 4, Basit Ali said that it was time for KL Rahul to step aside, making room for Shubman Gill to take his place at the top of the order in India’s XI for the second Test against New Zealand, which is set to take place at the MCA Stadium in Pune from October 24.

There should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan: Basit Ali

The former Pakistani selector emphasized that with Gill’s return to full fitness, Sarfaraz must be retained in the lineup, suggesting that Rahul should be the one to make way because of his series of poor performances in the longest format of the game, especially on the home soil.

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven't been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn't done the same in home matches.”

Meanwhile, India was in control during the middle of the second innings when Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant were at the crease, but the hosts suddenly found themselves in trouble against New Zealand. Pant and Khan’s wicket exposed India’s middle order, leading to a collapse.

He disappointed me: Basit Ali on KL Rahul

With India slipping from 408/3 to being bowled out for 462, Basit Ali highlighted how crucial it was for Rahul to anchor the innings once Sarfaraz and Pant were dismissed in Bengaluru. However, Rahul’s inability to stabilize the situation added to the growing concerns about his form and place.

Ali signed off by saying, “A lot depended on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got out. He has played a lot of Test matches and is everyone's favorite. However, he disappointed me today.”