KL Rahul cannot seem to catch a break these days and the Indian opener was not spared from criticism once again as he was dismissed for 44 in the second innings of the first Test against Australia at Adelaide.
India had dismissed Australia for 235 earlier in the day courtesy a wicket from Jasprit Bumrah and two of successive Mohammed Shami deliveries to afford themselves a slender lead of 15 runs.
In their second essay with the bat, the Indian openers started out cautiously before Rahul opened his arms. The 26-year-old took a special liking to Pat Cummins cover driving the pacemen for a six and four to the boundary. The two even had a brief chat with each other.
Rahul even pulled out a reverse sweep to counter the threat from Nathan Lyon. But just as he looked set and comfortable, he played a reckless shot to throw away his wicket.
This displeased his detractors on social media and there seems to be no shortage of Rahul's naysayers these days.
Shastri- It's been 8 overs and KL Rahul is still playing.
— Shivam Sharma (@Oye_Jahazi) December 8, 2018
Kohli- pic.twitter.com/qqWRcZlROR
When it’s been more than 10 overs and KL Rahul didn’t get out. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZyuSD2AP2A
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) December 8, 2018
Since when Australia have started importing Indian pitches???
— Manish Rao (@immanishrao) December 8, 2018
Nevertheless, it has had everything for everyone, spinners, pacers, batsmen, and KL Rahul. :) :)#Adelaide #AUSvIND #INDvAUS
Don't know how KL Rahul finds a place in the team. Better to drop him for some time and include Pritivi Shaw in to the squad! Rahul please s a failure product! #IndvAus
— Vijay (@vijivps) December 8, 2018
I think @klrahul11 KL Rahul needs to be dropped just for the shot that got him out today. He is visibly under a lot of pressure but someone needs to tell him he wont hit his way to form. Doesnt help that we have a buffoon Ravi Shastri as coach. #AUSvIND
— Twitvention (@Twitvention) December 8, 2018
With this attitude and not putting a price on his wicket, why should KL Rahul continue to be in the team? He doesn't offer any cushion with his reckless ways of getting out! #AUSvsIND @BCCI
— CJ (@CJoshi28) December 8, 2018
Form to kl rahul #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/BWkzVHBVOe
— Ritesh Ramesh naik (@khaLnaikritesh) December 8, 2018
#AusvInd
— Sachin Anand (@SachinA90589015) December 8, 2018
Time to whip out this timeless gem again
Who has better defensive technique
1-KL RAHUL
2 - People who defend KL RAHUL ???
These guys indulged in some banter.
India should think of scoring around 350 runs in this innings. #AUSvIND @cricketaakash @iamsid_vasu @SirJadeja what do u think?
— Hemant Sharma (@xperthemant) December 8, 2018
But the kind of batsmen we have , I think it's easy for us . Even KL Rahul scored 44....
— Hemant Sharma (@xperthemant) December 8, 2018
Rahul's opening partner Murali Vijay was dismissed for 18 and the pressure continues to mount on him as he has scored only 100 runs in his last 12 innings.
The Test match is very evenly poised with skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara showing commendable patience at the crease in front of some very tight bowling by the Aussies.
