India lost a Test match on home soil for the second time in 2024 after an eight-wicket defeat to the series opener against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has put their 12-year-old winning run at serious threat with two matches left.
One player whose place in the team is going to come under threat is star batter KL Rahul. Rahul was one of five batters to be dismissed for a duck in the first inning as the team was bowled out for an embarrassing total of 46. Later, he was the only Indian top-six batter to make less than 30 runs in the second inning after an incredible comeback from the hosts had put them in a commanding position.
After Sarfaraz Khan's century, India are set to face a major selection headache, with Shubman Gill set to make a comeback in the next match.
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After A Long Time, KL Rahul Has Found A Spot: Rohit Reveals Virat's King Sized-Gesture Over Move To Number 3
With debates over India's playing XI for the second Test in Pune scheduled to start on Thursday (October 24), fans were quick to notice a gesture by KL Rahul after the Bengaluru Test ended. The 32-year-old was spotted touching the pitch and taking its blessing.
This has triggered speculation over whether Rahul is set to face the axe, as the clip quickly went viral on social media.
See reactions
KL Rahul bidding adieu his test career in a spiritual manner. Respect pro max pic.twitter.com/67Tl8y62ww
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) October 20, 2024
Thank you KL Rahul #INDvNZpic.twitter.com/KocmIizp62
— DJAY (@djaywalebabu) October 20, 2024
Management has informed KL Rahul that it was his last international test match for India.KL Rahul touches the pitch after the match. pic.twitter.com/lsphMkJ3mH
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) October 20, 2024
In all probabilities KL Rahul played his last test match today.Go well in ODIs n T20Is 👍🏻Thank you KL Rahul !!#INDvsNZ#KLRahulpic.twitter.com/Jzmoz7vbMW
— Jay Shah (@Jay_sha_h) October 20, 2024
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KL Rahul Underwhelming Test Record
KL Rahul has played some of the finest innings by an Indian batter outside Asia in Test cricket with a century at Lord's and twin tons in Centurion the highlight. However, his record in the longest format is underwhelming to say the least with just 2891 runs in 53 Tests at an average of 33.88 with just eight tons.
Rahul has opened for most of his career but after losing his spot to Shubman Gill and later Yashasvi Jaiswal, he was included in the team as a wicket-keeper batter for last year's tour of South Africa. Later, he played as a specialist middle order batter against England in the first Test before an injury ruled him out of the remaining series.
The 32-year-old retained his place in the squad when the team returned to playing red-ball cricket after six months in the home series against Bangladesh last month.