KL Rahul is going through the worst phase of his international career. Dinesh Karthik, who has played a lot of cricket with Rahul, said he felt bad for the opener and also revealed that he has gone through similar phases in his career where he went to the washroom and shed a tear or two.
Karthik said if Rahul loses his place for the Indore Test starting March 1, it won’t be because of that one unlucky dismissal, it will be because of his poor form since the South Africa series last year. “He also knows for a fact that if he’s going to be dropped for the next match, which is pretty much an eventuality, it is not because of the one innings, it is because of what has transpired in the last five-six Test matches. He is a class player. He is very good in all formats. At this point, I don’t think it’s the technique, it’s what is happening between the ears. He might need some time away from the game. Come back fresh for the ODIs,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Resonating with Rahul’s state, Karthik said, “This is a professional world, you’ve got to deal with those sorrowful moments but as a player when I look at what he has gone through. When you get out that way knowing very well this could have been your last innings. It has happened to me when you go into the dressing room, quietly walk into the toilet, and shed a tear or two. It’s not a nice feeling because there’s not much you can do.”
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“Temporarily for the moment, I will have to go with Shubman Gill. He batted beautifully. There will be just one change in the India XI (for the third Test). I felt bad for KL Rahul. He has been under the scanner. But One thing is for sure, KL will come back strongly and when he does, there are not too many right-handed batters who can match him with the quality and range of shots,” DK concluded.