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'KL Rahul Should Be Rested,': Ex-Pakistan Player Urges India Not To Do Injustice With Sarfaraz Khan

Rajgeeta Yadav

KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @Jigar_042/X/com]KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @Jigar_042/X/com]

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KL Rahul has come under fire for his poor performance in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he failed to make a mark with the bat. With India losing the match, the focus now shifts to the second Test in Pune, where the team must decide whether to retain Rahul or give Sarfaraz Khan another chance.

As India aims to level the series, the team management faces a tricky selection issue. Shubman Gill, expected to recover from injury, is likely to return to the playing XI. This raises the question: should India stick with KL Rahul or reward Sarfaraz Khan for his solid performance in the first Test? Despite Sarfaraz’s impressive 150-run innings, India lost the opener by eight wickets. Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s disappointing show, scoring 0 and 12 in two innings, has only fueled debates about his place in the team.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has called for India to drop KL Rahul when Gill returns. Ali criticized Rahul’s inconsistency, stating that it would be unfair to leave out Sarfaraz, who has been in good form. Ali pointed out that Rahul’s strong performances overseas, such as in South Africa, haven’t translated into success in home conditions.

"Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven't been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn't done the same in home matches," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Sarfaraz Khan Makes A Strong Case For Himself

Sarfaraz Khan, brought into the team due to Gill’s injury, made a strong case for himself with a brilliant 150 in the second innings. His knock, along with Rishabh Pant’s contributions, gave India a fighting chance, though they ultimately lost. With this defeat, New Zealand secured their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years, courtesy of solid performances by Will Young and Rachin Ravindra in the chase.

With the series hanging in the balance, India must make tough decisions for the next Test. Basit Ali emphasised that dropping Sarfaraz would be unjust, considering his promising start. If Rahul continues to struggle, it might cost India more than just this series. India will now face New Zealand in the second Test in Pune, starting on October 24.