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“That Would Be Foolish”: Aakash Chopra Backs KL Rahul’s Questionable Decision Amid Criticism

Poulomi Chakraborty

Aakash Chopra Throws Support To KL Rahul (Source: @sanatana_simha/x.com, @cricketaakash/x.com)Aakash Chopra Throws Support To KL Rahul (Source: @sanatana_simha/x.com, @cricketaakash/x.com)

Coming from a mighty victory at Edgbaston, the iconic Lord’s Test caused Team India’s biggest heartbreak. Chasing just 193, the batting order fell apart in the final innings, leading to a crushing 22-run defeat.

After the loss, Team India’s batting faced heavy scrutiny, and KL Rahul’s approach was particularly questioned. Amid the criticism, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra defended the wicketkeeper-batter and supported his decisions with confidence.

Aakash Chopra Defends KL Rahul

Despite a deadly fight back in the first innings, Team India struggled in the last innings while chasing the modest total. In front of the English bowling attack, Team India’s batting faltered. Amid the struggle, Team India’s bold call to send Akash Deep at number five became the center of attention.

After the top order crumbled under pressure, the management wanted to flip the momentum with the nightwatchman strategy. Reflecting on this, Aakash Chopra admitted he isn’t a fan of the tactic but respects the decision.

“13 minutes were left. Personally, I am not a huge fan of nightwatchman. I feel if a batter can't do the job, how can a nightwatchman do it? I am not a fan of it, but it's an individual decision. I respect that as well. Every person sees it differently,” he said.

After the bowler joined KL Rahul at the crease, Rahul handed him the strike after taking a single, and England’s captain dismissed him for just 1 run. Rahul's move sparked controversy, but Aakash Chopra stood behind him. Speaking about this on his YouTube channel, he noted that Rahul made the smart call by not retaining strike and avoiding a risky dismissal.

“When Akash Deep came, he had only one job to do. He had to protect his wicket, keep his partner away from strike, and not let the next batter come. That's his only duty in life. In the last over, if KL Rahul finds a single off the first ball, he must take it. If he doesn't take a single, stands there only, and gets out himself, that would be foolish. That is just common sense,” he added.

After a strong start to the series, India lost control in the second Test. Despite a good bowling effort, the batters faltered in the final innings. After KL Rahul’s dismissal at 39, Ravindra Jadeja fought hard with an exceptional innings of unbeaten 61, but Team India fell short and faced a 22-run defeat.