KL Rahul is being targeted unnecessarily: Aakash Chopra


image-le6xucxaKL Rahul | PC: Twitter

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has come out in support of KL Rahul, who has been the subject of intense criticism following his performance in the Nagpur Test.

The wicket-keeper batter has been under the microscope since his forgettable outing during the Bangladesh tour. He could manage only 20 runs in the opening Test against Australia.

Aakash Chopra, meanwhile has thrown his weight behind KL Rahul, stating that the experienced opener should not be left out of India's playing XI just because Shubman Gill is in the good form. 

The renowned commentator predicted just one change in the Indian team for the second Test, with the fit-again Shreyas Iyer coming in for Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order.

Here's what Aakash Chopra said: 

"I don't see much scope for change in the Indian batting. Only one - Shreyas Iyer will come and Suryakumar Yadav will go. A little pressure has been created on KL Rahul. I hope he has a good match because the guy plays well and people are unnecessarily targeting him,"

"I know Shubman (Gill) is sitting outside but the incumbent player does not become bad because someone is sitting out. It is Cheteshwar Pujara's 100th Test, so I am expecting him to have a good game."

KL Rahul may face a sense of pressure when he steps out to bat in the second Test, despite any reassurances that have been made, given his recent run of poor form and competition from the in-form Shubman Gill looming over him.