(Source X)
Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has sharply criticized Gautam Gambhir and the current Indian team management for excluding KL Rahul from the final ODI against Sri Lanka. This crucial match is a must-win for India to level the series.
Sri Lanka won the toss for the third consecutive time and chose to bat first. In response, India made two unexpected changes to their Playing XI, bringing in Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant to replace KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh.
While the exclusion of Arshdeep Singh was anticipated due to the pitches favoring spinners in the series, dropping KL Rahul after only two matches has faced significant backlash. Many fans and experts believe Rahul should not have been sidelined given the context of the series and his recent performances.
Dodda Ganesh harshly criticizes Gautam Gambhir for excluding KL Rahul from the team.
Dodda Ganesh was among the experts who launched a sharp critique against Gautam Gambhir and India’s team management over the decision to drop KL Rahul. Ganesh voiced his concerns about the inclusion of both Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag in the Playing XI, particularly in such a crucial series decider.
“Only in a crazy universe will u have Dube and Riyan Parag playing ahead of KL Rahul, in a decider ODI. Don’t understand what’s happening. He was leading India just 3 ODIs ago and all of a sudden, one failure & he is out of the playing XI. Ridiculous is an understatement,” Dodda Ganesh posted on X (formerly Twitter).
KL Rahul’s exceptional performance as India’s ODI wicketkeeper
Since his return from injury during the Asia Cup last year, KL Rahul has established himself as India’s primary wicketkeeper in ODIs. His wicketkeeping skills have steadily improved, with few mistakes and several excellent catches behind the stumps.
While Rahul’s batting prowess was always recognized, he has excelled as a middle-order batsman at No. 5 in India’s ODI lineup. Although he originally started as an opener, he has successfully adapted to this role. Rahul’s crucial runs in challenging situations have repeatedly rescued India from difficult positions.
KL Rahul’s present form
The 32-year-old played a pivotal role in India’s Asia Cup triumph last year, including a stellar century against Pakistan. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he maintained exceptional form throughout, consistently contributing runs and impressing with his wicketkeeping.
Rahul made a significant impact in the World Cup opener with an unbeaten 97, rescuing India from a precarious position. He also top-scored for India in the final with 66, despite the team’s loss.
However, Rahul’s performance in the current series against Sri Lanka has been less impressive. He managed only 31 runs across two matches and was subsequently replaced by Rishabh Pant for the final game.
