Team India are set to play a five-match Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 starting from November 22 in Perth. The Indian batting line-up is currently under pressure after being short of runs in the loss they suffered in the home Test series against New Zealand.
One of them is KL Rahul, who was dropped from the team after the first Test in Bengaluru. The Karnataka batter has been under tremendous pressure and has faced a lot of criticism for his inconsistent batting performances in Test cricket. He has already been dropped from the T20I team and his future in the test team is hanging by a thread.
Former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly conveyed that Rahul needed to have a conversation with himself, encouraging him to move on from past struggles. Ganguly believed it was important for Rahul to understand that fluctuations in performance are inherent in sports. He advised that the Karnataka batter should work diligently in practice sessions to restore his confidence. Additionally, Ganguly acknowledged that he was aware Rahul had faced significant challenges.
“KL Rahul has to speak to himself and say, just put everything behind. Ups and downs are part and parcel. You have to bring back your confidence working hard in nets. I know he’s gone through a lot,” said Sourav Ganguly as reported by RevSportz.
KL Rahul might play in the top order in the first Test against Australia
Rahul had been sent to Australia ahead of the series to play for India A. He did not put up notable score but did open the batting for the team. He has batted in the middle order in Tests just like ODIs given that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have settled themselves at the top of the order.
However, with the presence of Rohit Sharma in the first Test under doubt and also Gill being ruled out of the Test, Rahul is definitely set to feature in the playing XI. Rahul has played 53 Test matches and 91 innings so far in Test cricket, where he has scored 2,981 runs at an average of 33.87. This comes from a tally of eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. Rahul, despite his potential and talent, hasn’t been able to score consistently in Test cricket for some time to earn his spot permanently in the squad.
