Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad made a huge remark on India Vice-captain KL Rahul by calling his selection in the playing XI is based not based on performance but favoritism. India defeated Australia by innings and 132 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The 30-year-old was picked ahead of the in-form Shubman Gill and The Karnataka batter was dismissed for 20 in the first innings of the 1st Test against Australia in Nagpur. Prasad said that KL Rahul has been given many chances and many cricketers who are in top form are waiting for a chance. Venkatesh Prasad took his Twitter to write:

“I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Especially when there are so many waiting in the wings & top form.

Venkatesh Prasad also questioned the selection of Rahul over Shubman Gill who is in prime form across the formats and Sarfaraz Khan who is constantly scoring runs for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy

“Shubman Gill is in sublime form, Sarfaraz has been scoring tons in FC cricket, and many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul. Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to.”

“KL Rahul Looked Under Pressure,” – Ajay Jadeja

Former cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes that Team India’s senior batter KL Rahul was under immense pressure against Australia. He noted that Rahul needed to score big, given that he was preferred over the in-form Shubman Gill. Speaking to Cricbuzz Ajay Jadeja said,

“KL Rahul looked under pressure. The pressure was not just because of the opposition, but also because India now has a lot of options. Someone like Shumban Gill had to sit out, while Rahul came back from a break. He took his time.” He said