'It's time KL Rahul pulls up his socks', says former India paceman Dodda Ganesh

The competition for a place in the Indian Cricket team is heating up, with many reserve players showing their skills in limited opportunities.

With the established KL Rahul out of the side due to an unfortunate injury, Deepak Hooda, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson have impressed everyone with their striking abilities on the Ireland and England tours.

Former Indian paceman Dooda Ganesh believes it is about high time that KL starts to bat with freedom like he used to. 

Ganesh has even warned that Rahul will struggle to keep his place in the team if he continues playing the waiting game.

Penning down his thoughts on Twitter, Ganesh wrote, "Hooda and SKY, with their intent, have shown how T20 batting is done. It's time KL Rahul, too, pulls up his socks and bats the way he used to in 2016/17. If he continues to play the waiting game like he does in the IPL, he'll struggle to keep his place."

Ganesh further explained the value of players like SKY, Hooda, and Samson in today's cricket.

"Shaw, Hooda, SKY and Samson. These kind of batsmen who bat at the top gear no matter what are the need of the hour as far as modern-day T20 batting is concerned. Selectors need to take notice of this," he added. 

To note, Hooda slammed a brilliant T20 hundred in the second match against Ireland. Continuing his brilliant form in the England series, the Haryana-born notched up 17-ball 33 in the first match.

On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, returning from injury, scored his first T20 ton in the third T20I against England after a dull few games against Ireland earlier. 

Speaking of Rahul, the experienced opener has been plagued with injuries in the recent past. 

Further, he underwent successful sports hernia surgery last week and is expected to return to cricket in 2-3 months. 

The Bangalore-born has played 43 Tests, 41 ODIs, and 56 T20Is for India since making his international debut way back in 2014.