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KL Rahul failed to deliver with the bat again in the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnasawmy Stadium in Bengaluru on Day 4 (Saturday, October 19). The local lad departed for 12 runs off 16 balls after being caught behind by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell off William O’Rourke.
It is worth noting that Rahul was dismissed for a duck similarly in the first innings. Interestingly, Blundell and O’Rourke were involved in the previous dismissal as well.
Rahul has failed to prove his consistency in Tests. The 32-year-old recently returned with scores of 16, 22*, and 68 in three innings during the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
Fans on X trolled KL Rahul for another failure in the same game versus New Zealand where other Indian batters made amends in the second innings after failing badly in the first essay.
One user wrote:
"Everyone will perform in tough situations except this KL Rahul. He doesn't deserve any more chances in team India."
Another user sarcastically wrote:
"In an ideal world, this would be KL Rahul's final test. But he has played his final test many times in the past."
A third user added:
"Whenever team need the most, KL Rahul disappoints, it was Nov 19, and now it is Oct 19..."
Here are a few more reactions:
"KL Rahul needs to realise that he has got much of talent" - Ravi Shastri's words of wisdom for the middle-order batter
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared his words of wisdom for KL Rahul following his failure against Bangladesh in the Test series. The 62-year-old said the right-hander needs to come out with a positive mindset.
He said on air (via Hindustan Times):
"KL Rahul needs to realise that he has got much of talent. The day he realises that and comes out with a mindset and thinking in that fashion. He will be a different player."
Overall, Rahul has amassed 2981 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 34-plus, comprising eight tons and 15 half-centuries.
Follow the IND vs NZ 1st Test live score and updates here.
