Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has stated that he has nothing against KL Rahul, the team’s starting opener. After months of teasing Rahul, Prasad, who has been vocal in his criticism of Indian players, confirmed his position on February 19.
Since the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Venkatesh has been regularly bashing Rahul on Twitter, creating a sensation among the cricket community.
The former fast bowler referred to Rahul as a “product of favouritism” and claimed that the brilliant players who had been sitting on the sidelines of the Indian squad had been denied opportunities due to his selections.
On Twitter, Prasad stated on Sunday that his critiques were made with KL Rahul’s goodwill in mind after the player got out to yet another cheap score.
“A few people thinking I have something personal against KL Rahul. In fact it is the opposite. I wish well for him and playing him in such form was never going to enhance his confidence. For him to earn his place back in Test cricket, now that the domestic season has ended,” Prasad wrote on Twitter.
A few people thinking i have something personal against KL Rahul. Infact it is the opposite. I wish well for him and playing him in such form was never going to enhance his confidence. For him to earn his place back in Test cricket, now that the domestic season has ended, cont.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 19, 2023
“Rahul needs to play County cricket in England” – Venkatesh Prasad on KL Rahul
Prasad proposed that KL Rahul leave the Indian Test team and play County Cricket, exactly like Cheteshwar Pujara did.
“Rahul needs to play County cricket in England, score runs and earn his place back, much like Pujara did when he was dropped. Playing Test Cricket for the country and doing everything possible to get back in form will be the best answer. But will it be possible to skip the IPL?” Prasad added.
Rahul has previously received harsh criticism from Prasad, who claimed that he wasn’t one of India’s top 10 openers.
“No top order batsman in at least last 20 years of Indian cricket has played these many Tests with such a low average. His inclusion is deliberately denying talented guys, in form guys an opportunity to be in the 11,” Prasad said ahead of the 2nd Test match.
“Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favouritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years, not converted potential into performances,” Prasad said on Saturday, 11 February.
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