With his now-viral tweet against KL Rahul, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad caused quite a stir by accusing BCCI selectors and the Indian team management of “favouritism” towards the batter.
The slew of tweets came during the last hour of India’s match against Australia on Saturday in Nagpur, when Rahul was having a particularly rough day. In response to Prasad’s tweet, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar gave a frank response, mentioning “in-form” Shubman Gill.
On Saturday, just before India’s resounding victory by innings and 123 runs in Nagpur against the Pat Cummins-led side, Prasad opined that Rahul, who has been “consistently inconsistent,” has been selected based on “favouritism” despite the presence of talented and in-form players like Gill and Sarfaraz Khan.
Prasad has also criticized retired cricketers and other experts for being silent out of concern for their lucrative IPL broadcasting contracts.
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..cont
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023
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In response to the comments, Gavaskar told India Today that he believes Rahul would be supported for the next second Test against Australia in New Delhi and that a decision on whether or not to replace him with Gill may be made after the match.
“I feel the way he has batted in the last 1-2 years, he performed well. I feel he should be given one more chance. I’m sure he will be backed for the Test match in Delhi. After that you can give it a thought because you have an in-form batter ready to replace him, Shubman Gill,” he said.
Madan Lal, a former India all-rounder who was also there, concurred with Gavaskar in this discussion and recalled batsman Vikram Rathour’s support for Rahul in a previous press conference.
