KL Rahul's position in team India locked in for Pune Test vs New Zealand

Former Indian cricketer Venkatapathy Raju has come out in support of the struggling star KL Rahul, urging the team management to give him another shot despite a dismal performance in the opening Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand.

After posting disappointing scores of 0 and 12 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, KL Rahul has been facing heavy criticism for his lackluster display after Team India's eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand. Now, his place in India’s playing XI is under massive scrutiny.

Venkatapathy Raju backs KL Rahul for the Pune Test despite a flop show at Bengaluru

However, Venkatapathy Raju believes that KL Rahul's extensive experience should earn him a place in India’s playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand, starting on October 24 at the MCA Stadium in Pune, as he emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the team.

Since 2022, the 32-year-old right-hander has faced a significant decline in form, amassing only 514 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 25.7, with only one century and three fifties to his name. Overall, the Karnakata batter has 2,981 runs to his name in 53 matches, averaging 33.87.

He has so far smashed eight centuries and 15 half-centuries in his Test career. Meanwhile, Venkatapathy Raju strongly believes that benching Rahul after a single poor outing is unwarranted. He asserted that the Indian cricket team needs seasoned players, especially with upcoming challenges in mind, including a five-match Test series in Australia.

The former cricketer has full confidence in Rahul's ability to bounce back strongly, as the Indian cricket team aims to level the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune.

I don't think we should tinker with the playing XI: Venkatapathy Raju

He emphasized that India is currently at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, and it would provide the team with the confidence to regroup and perform better in the upcoming Pune Test against New Zealand.

Venkatapathy Raju was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “I don't think we should tinker with the playing XI. If I were the captain, I would go with the same side. You need experienced hands in your team. You can't bench KL Rahul after just one Test match. He is an experienced batter and should play the next Test.

There's no need to panic. India are still on top of the WTC standings. Rohit is a positive captain. He goes in with a positive approach, and he knows that what's done is done, and now it's time to level the series. I’m sure he will.”

Venkatapathy Raju backs KL Rahul to bounce back strongly with support

With Rohit Sharma leading the charge, Raju said that he has trust in the captain's positive mindset and urged the hosts to play Rahul in the second Test against New Zealand. Amidst the calls for dropping Rahul, Raju said that panic is unnecessary.

Raju signed off by saying, “India should think about those five Tests in Australia and not panic. Let’s play KL Rahul in the second Test and give him a chance. He’ll bounce back. He has experience. India just needs to pull up their socks. That’s it.”