The stunning defeat that India experienced at the hands of New Zealand during the first Test in Bengaluru raised numerous queries concerning the ideology of the team. The match was shortened to four days since the first day had to be washed out due to rains. In the other days, the Kiwis dominated India in every aspect of the game and registered a memorable eight-wicket victory which also turned out to be their first win ever on the Indian soil since 1988. After experiencing such a loss, the Indian players were tormented by the backlash of the fans and cricket analysts.
Regarding the defeat, much of the blame was directed at KL Rahul, who in the match dissapointingly made no impact. In both and all innings, Rahul scored low scores of 0 in the first and 12 in the last, and understood the task in vain.
Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced the injured Shubman Gill and made a good 150 run score, led many fans and even experts to say that Rahul should not be part of the team on Gill’s second Test return.
Yet, Venkatpathy Raju a former Indian spinner came to the defense of the 32-year-old batter saying that the Indian team must not change the XI.
“I don’t think we should make any changes to the playing XI. If I were the captain, I would stick with the same team. You need experienced hands in your team. One Test match is not reason enough to put KL Rahul on the bench. He is a quality batter and there is a next Test and he has to play. All is well,” Raju told Times of India
“India is still on top of the WTC standings. Rohit is a positive captain. He goes in with a positive attitude, he is aware that what has happened is in the past and it is time to draw this series level. I have no doubt he will do it,” he restated.
Raju also voiced that given the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, it would be appropriate for the Indian team to persist with Rahul.
‘India should think about those five Tests in Australia and not get excited. Let’s play KL Rahul in the second Test and let us give him a chance. He will rise to the occasion. He is experienced. India just need a little nudge. That’s all,’ added Raju.
The second Test match of the series between India and New Zealand will take place this Thursday in Pune. Now setting their sights on taking the two-match series level, Rohit Sharma and the rest of the squad.
