KL Rahul was recently snubbed as the Indian team’s vice-captain following a string of poor performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023. Despite India’s victories in both Tests, the right-handed batsman managed only 38 runs in three innings and was out for low scores.
According to Ganguly, when an Indian batter fails to score runs at home, it is difficult for him to avoid harsh criticism given the enormous expectations that come with the job.
“When you don’t score runs in India, obviously you will get flak. KL Rahul hasn’t been the only one. There have been players in the past also,” Ganguly told PTI on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals’ IPL pre-season camp.
Rahul has barely crossed 17 in his last 10 innings with his career average falling to 35 in 47 matches. Ganguly, on the other hand, believes that because Rahul has previously performed, he has been given extra chances.
“There’s so much focus and attention with lot of pressure on players. The team management thinks he is an important player for the team. At the end of the day, what coach and captain thinks is important,” the veteran of 113 Tests and 311 ODIs said. “He has performed but obviously you expect a lot more from a top order batter playing for India because the standards set by others are so high. When you fail for a while, obviously there will be criticism. I am sure Rahul has ability and I am sure as and when he gets more opportunities, he will have to find ways to score.”