KL Rahul To Be Dropped? Rohit Sharma Has 3 Reasons To Replace Star Player In 3rd ODI

Why KL Rahul should be dropped [Source: AP Photo]

India have done what most people expected them to do and that is to beat England to clinch the ODI series. After a comprehensive win in the first ODI, it was time for the Rohit Sharma show in the Cuttack ODI as the captain of the team dismantled the English bowlers to seal the deal for the Indian side.

As a result, the Men in Blue have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with a game still to be played. Most of the members of the team performed, barring Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. KL Rahul had the platform set for himself when he came out to bat, however, he failed to capitalised on it.

The star keeper, who came into bat at number 6, was dismissed for 10 as Jamie Overton earned his prized wicket. KL Rahul also failed to deliver in the first ODI as question marks have been raised on his place in the ODI side. The third ODI is a dead rubber and perhaps, Rohit Sharma could make a bold change by dropping him for the series finale and could try out someone else at that spot. Here are 3 reasons why he could be dropped from the third ODI.

1) Numbers tell the entire story

KL Rahul ODI stats since 2024

Ever since the 2023 World Cup got over, KL Rahul has not been the same in the ODIs. In 4 matches since 2024, KL Rahul has only scored 41 runs with the highest score of 31. He has looked under-confident and has looked a pale shadow of himself.

In cricket, numbers tell the entire story and KL Rahul's numbers are not promising as he struggles for runs.

2) Team management has no trust in him

Since the 2023 World Cup final, KL Rahul has not batted at number 5, which is his usual position in ODIs.

In the two ODIs against England, Rohit Sharma trusted Axar Patel to bat at number 5 and KL was demoted to number 6. This shows that the team management has more trust in an all-rounder, rather than a proper batter. The new regime is willing to place their full trust in Axar Patel rather than KL, who has done well in the past.

3) Intent not their in ODIs

KL Rahul, despite boasting all the hitting skills seems to struggle in the middle overs. He lacks the intent to play aggressive shots, and with the way India play at the moment, they can only squeeze in one player who can anchor the innings (Virat Kohli), and there is no space for another.

Hence, India could bring in Rishabh Pant as the aggressive left-handed batter in the middle order.

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