India’s 12-year unbeaten streak at home faces a potential end after a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This loss, India’s second home defeat in 2024, has raised concerns about the team’s performance.
One player under scrutiny is star batter KL Rahul, whose poor form in the match—getting out for a duck in the first innings and scoring low in the second—has cast doubts on his place in the team. With Shubman Gill expected to return for the next Test, Rahul’s position in the playing XI may be in jeopardy.
Despite India’s strong second-innings performance, led by Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive century, the team management now faces a selection dilemma. As India prepares for the next match, difficult decisions will have to be made to ensure the team’s continued success.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s gesture after the Bengaluru Test has sparked conversations among fans. The 32-year-old was seen touching the pitch, seemingly in a gesture of respect, which led to speculation about his future in Test cricket.
KL Rahul bidding adieu his test career in a spiritual manner. Respect pro max pic.twitter.com/67Tl8y62ww
— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) October 20, 2024
This ‘pitch-touching’ gesture has fueled rumors about Rahul’s potential retirement from the format, leaving fans speculating about his Test career.
KL Rahul’s Test form has been a point of concern. While he has displayed his batting skills with notable performances like his century at Lord’s and twin hundreds in Centurion, his overall Test record is modest. With 2891 runs in 53 Tests, an average of 33.88, and eight centuries, Rahul’s future in the format remains in question.
Rahul has primarily served as an opener throughout his career. However, after losing his spot to Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, he was included as a wicket-keeper batter for the South Africa tour last year. Later promoted to the middle order for the first Test against England, an injury forced him out for the rest of the series. He retained his place in the team for the home series against Bangladesh following a six-month hiatus from Test cricket.