KL Rahul's position in Indian Test side sealed after Sarfaraz Khan's double hundred in Irani Cup

Former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has backed KL Rahul in his recent comment about the star India batter. Iqbal claimed that Rahul comes under scrutiny if he fails in one or two games which is not right.

After a disappointing Test match at Chennai, KL Rahul gave a fitting response to his critics by slamming 68 off just 43 balls in the first innings of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. His knock included 7 fours and 2 sixes.

It was a masterclass from Rahul as he showed his aggressive side in this match. His innings were full of intent as he was aggressive against both the fast bowlers and the spinners. Rahul's knock also helped India gain a good first-innings lead.

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Tamim Iqbal comes out in support of KL Rahul

While speaking to Jio Cinema during the Kanpur Test, Tamim Iqbal backed KL Rahul and claimed that there are players in every team who face backlash after just one or two bad games and Rahul is one of them. According to Tamim, it is not right that Rahul is criticized after just one or two bad matches.

"Unfortunately, in every team, there are one or two players who are always under pressure. If you go back and see their stats, they've done well. But, one game without scoring, and for some strange reason we put them under pressure.," Iqbal said.

"In the Indian team, KL Rahul is that person. He fails in one or two games, and people start talking about it and questioning his position. I think that's not very fair," the former Bangladesh opener added.

Tamim Iqbal said "If KL Rahul fails in one or two games, people start questioning his position which I think is not very fair". [JioCinema] pic.twitter.com/NFRLsmLMrA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 3, 2024

Tamim Iqbal is currently working with the broadcaster for Bangladesh's tour of India. He announced his retirement from international cricket on July 6, 2023.

KL Rahul proves his critics wrong

Meanwhile, Rahul has received heavy criticism from fans and experts around the world. Even before the Test series against Bangladesh, his place in the side was criticized as many of them backed Sarfaraz Khan after his excellent debut against England.

However, the team management decided to back Rahul to be in India's middle order. Rahul is a versatile batter and is one of the few players who can fit in at any batting position. He started his Test career as an opener but in the past year, he has moved down the order.

The team management sees Rahul as a talented batter who deserves a place in the Indian team. Ever since he started batting in the middle order, he has played some good knocks for India. Before getting injured in the Test series against England, he scored 86 in the Hyderabad Test.

After being ruled out of the entire series due to injury, KL Rahul was replaced by Sarfaraz Khan and the latter performed exceedingly well. However, Rahul won his place back in the side and has proved that the selectors were right by backing him.