KL Rahul’s position in the Indian team is under scanner following his disappointing performance in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. New Zealand tasted a rare Test victory on Indian soil after a long 36 years gap.

The famed Indian batting lineup crumbled in the first innings as New Zealand bowlers wreaked havoc in the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Favoured by overcast weather and wet conditions, they bowled out India for a mere 46 runs, lowest ever by the home side in India in the history of Test cricket.

Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the first inning and even in the second innings when the conditions improved he returned to the pavilion with a paltry score of 12. Calls to replace the Indian batter have already been made and the call-up of Washington Sundar further intensified this situation.

Ahead of the second Test in Pune, Rohit Sharma needs to take a call on the selection but former Indian spinner Venkatpathy Raju believes KL Rahul should be backed as his experience could come in handy for India against the Kiwis.

In an interaction with the Times Of India, he said, “I don’t think we should tinker with the playing XI. If I were the captain, I would go with the same side. You need experienced hands in your team. You can’t bench KL Rahul after just one Test match. He is an experienced batter and should play the next Test. There’s no need to panic. India are still on top of the WTC standings.

“Rohit is a positive captain. He goes in with a positive approach, and he knows that what’s done is done, and now it’s time to level the series. I’m sure he will.”

India are all set to host New Zealand in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium starting from October 24.

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