Rahul, who was stripped of his vice-captaincy, has failed to score more than 25 runs in his last 10 Test innings. Despite having the potential to do better, his average of less than 35 runs in 47 Tests does not reflect his true abilities.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly suggests that given the high standards set by past cricketers, it will be challenging for KL Rahul to escape severe criticism for his prolonged period of poor performance as the vice-captaincy role comes with significant expectations.
Ganguly stated during an exclusive interview with PTI on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals’ IPL pre-season camp that KL Rahul is not the only one who has faced criticism for not scoring runs in India, as there have been other players in the past who have also faced such criticism.
Sourav Ganguly attempted to provide context for why the Bengaluru player is being persisted with despite repeated failures.
“The players are under a lot of pressure and scrutiny, and the team management considers KL Rahul to be a crucial player for the team. Ultimately, it’s the coach and captain’s opinion that matters,” explained Sourav Ganguly, who played 113 Test matches and 311 ODIs.
According to Ganguly, despite playing some impressive innings in England and Australia, KL Rahul’s talent will always draw high expectations from people, considering he has only scored five Test centuries in a span of nine years.
“The standards set by other top-order batsmen for India are so high that, although Rahul has performed, people naturally expect a lot more from a talented player like him.”
Sourav Ganguly explained that criticism is inevitable when a player faces a prolonged period of poor performance. However, he expressed his belief in Rahul’s abilities and stated that he will have to find ways to score runs when given more opportunities.
“Is Rahul’s issue a matter of technique or mentality?” To this, the answer is “both,” is the prompt reply.
However, the former BCCI President also provided an interesting observation about Rahul’s inability to score runs, noting that he has been dismissed by both pacers and spinners in various conditions in recent times.
Ganguly shared an interesting observation about Rahul’s recent struggles, stating that it becomes even more difficult to score runs when playing on challenging pitches with uneven bounce, especially when a player is out of form.
According to Ganguly, there have been demands to include Shubman Gill in the playing XI, but he believes that Gill will get his opportunities and it won’t hurt if he has to wait for some time.
So what can you tell a Shubman who needs to cool his heels while he is on fire? ” I am confident that when his time comes, he will be presented with several chances. I believe the selectors, captain, and coach all have tremendous regard for him. That is why he is playing ODIs and T20Is, and he is done well.
“But, at the moment, perhaps the message from team management is that he must wait.” While India cruised to victory in both Tests, the top order hitters, with the exception of Rohit Sharma, have pleased to deceive, with none scoring fifty.
Is the notion of dominating hitters vs. spinners too foreign nowadays? “I do not believe so.” These are really difficult wickets. That is something I noticed in the first two tests, boss, and it is not simple. It is never easy playing Ashwin, Jadeja, Lyon, and the new man, Todd Murphy, when the odd ball turns square. “With spinners, there is unevenness and everything happening.” This is not Steve Waugh’s squad.
India has won two Test matches in a total of five days of cricket, and Ganguly is not surprised.
Sourav Ganguly highlighted India’s dominance in home conditions, stating that they are a tough team to beat in India. He added that the Indian team is well-rounded, and when the pitches start turning, they become stronger than any other team.
Sourav Ganguly highlighted India’s dominance in home conditions, stating that they are a tough team to beat in India. He added that the Indian team is well-rounded, and when the pitches start turning, they become stronger than any other team.
Is a 4-0 victory possible for India? “I guess so. “I do not know how Australia can stop it,” he was pragmatic in his assessment of Australia’s performance.
“The issue is that we keep comparing this Australian squad to previous teams, and it is not the same. You do not have a Matthew Hayden, a Justin Langer, a Ricky Ponting, a Steve and Mark Waugh, a (Adam) Gilchrist, or any of the other players mentioned. It is what you lack.
“Steve Smith is an outstanding player. (David) Warner has not gotten going, and (Marnus) Labuschagne is a strong player, but he is also playing in difficult conditions.
“The error we make with Australian teams is that we believe they are Steve Waugh’s Australia but that is not the case. Various players are tested in different ways under different circumstances.” I have been in contact with Pant.
As the Delhi Capitals’ director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly faces several difficult tasks, including filling up for the absence of Rishabh Pant, who just had surgery and was involved in a terrible tragedy.
“I chatted with him a few times. Clearly, he is going through a difficult time, with injuries and operations, and I wish him the best. He will be back playing for India in a year or two,” Ganguly said, his voice tinged with grief as he spoke about a player he admired.
Will he want Pant to stay with the squad for portion of the IPL, which may aid in his recovery?
“I am not sure. “We shall see,” Ganguly predicted.
DC has yet to name Pant’s replacement, and Ganguly is split between promising turk Abhishek Porel and local veteran Sheldon Jackson.
“We still need some time to work things out. The next camp begins before the IPL.” As David Warner is slated to command DC this season, Axar Patel will serve as his deputy.
Ganguly oversaw a three-day camp in Kolkata attended by Prithvi Shaw, Ishant Sharma, Chetan Sakariya, Manish Pandey, and other domestic players.
“The IPL is only a month away, and the season has just recently begun. With the quantity of cricket they play, it is tough to get all of the players together. Irani Trophy is being played by four or five people. Sarfaraz has an injured finger that is not broken. “He should be OK for the IPL,” he said.
