Venkatesh Prasad makes harsh remarks against KL Rahul's selection in the team

KL Rahul faced some harsh criticism by former India medium pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad who said that the opener’s selection was based on favouritism in the Indian side. Rahul was picked ahead of in-form Shubman Gill in the 1st test of the Border Gavaskar Series against Australia, his woeful form continued as he managed to score only 20 runs. Venkatesh Prasad bombarded the selectors, on Rahul’s selection. He believes it is not based on performance but favouritism, while also adding that he has been inconsistent, for someone who has been around for 8 years. KL Rahul managed to score 20 off 71 deliveries in the 1st innings of the first Test and was dismissed by Todd Murphy.

“Rahul’s selection is not based on performance, but favouritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for eight years not converted potential into performances. I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to. I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par,” Prasad wrote on Twitter

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Prasad also backed Ravichandran Ashwin to be made the vice-captain of the Indian team and Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the longest format of the game and went on to name five cricketers in the current Indian setup who could ably don the role of vice-captain. The names were – Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Mayank Agarwal. Prasad believes that Mayank Agrawal and Hanuma Vihari were more impactful than Rahul in Tests. Venkatesh Prasad also believes that many ex-cricketers aren’t vocal despite seeing such favouritism in the chances of losing out on potential Indian Premier League involvement.

Venkatesh Prasad hails from Bangalore, Karnataka and has seen KL Rahul grow from different age group levels to international cricket, he has been supportive of KL throughout his cricketing career, but currently, he is unhappy with how the player is being handled by the selection committee. He served the country as a player for almost a decade and has also worked as a bowling coach for the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. The former right-arm pacer has also tried his hand at commentary, he has plenty of experience and has been a consistent contributor towards India’s success in the world of cricket.

Venkatesh Prasad believes that there are a lot of talented players waiting in the wings & in top form. He mentioned Sarfaraz Ahmed who is getting tons of runs in the domestic circuit. In his tweet, he mentions “Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to”, he was particularly furious with the selection committee. Prithvi Shaw is another talent poorly handled by BCCI, he had a couple of fabulous seasons but failed to get selected for the squad. It will be interesting to see if KL Rahul makes it into the playing XI for the 2nd test against Australia starting on the 17th of February 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Team India are currently leading the series 1-0 and would come hard at the Aussies once again to take an unassailable lead.