Team India managed to win the series opener of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on 11 February 2023 in Nagpur by an inning and 132 runs. It was a humiliating defeat for the Aussies as they were absolutely clueless while facing Indian spinners, especially in the second innings. However, KL Rahul had a forgettable match again with the bat. Rahul scored 20 runs off 71 balls, including only one boundary.
So, fans were not happy with his performance. Before the Test, many fans wanted to include Shubman Gill as an opener in place of the vice-captain of team India. But, the team management showed faith in him and went with him in the playing XI. But, on 11 February 2023, a tweet went viral from the former India cricketer, Venkatesh Prasad where he put allegations of ‘favoritism’ on the India Cricket Board for the selection of KL Rahul.
Here is the tweet:
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
“Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favoritism.” - Venkatesh Prasad wrote on KL Rahul
Speaking of the tweet, Venkatesh Prasad wrote: “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. When there are so many waiting in the wings & in top form. Shubhman 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.”
“And to make matters worse, Rahul is the designated vice-captain. Ashwin has a great cricketing brain and should be the vice-captain in the Test format. If not him should be Pujara or Jadeja . Mayank Agarwal had a far better impact than Rahul in Tests and so did Vihari. Rahul’s selection is not based on performance but favoritism. Has been Consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years not converted potential into performances,” Prasad continued.
“One of the reasons why many ex-cricketers aren’t vocal despite seeing such favoritism.. is the chances of losing out on potential IPL gigs. They wouldn’t want to rub the captain of a franchisee wrong way, as in today’s age most people like yes men and blind approvers. Often well wishers are your best critics but times have changed & people don’t want to be told truth,” Venkatesh Prasad concluded. After such a tweet for KL Rahul, fans went crazy and shared their views on social media platforms.
Here are some tweets from fans regarding the viral tweet from Venkatesh Prasad on KL Rahul:
Yes Very Poor performance from @klrahul send Honey moon trip
— Ravi prasad 🇮🇳 (@Ravipra89054659) February 12, 2023
Absolutely correct...Well said...N definitely no offence to KL Rahul
— Felix Sanjeeb Jojo (@felixsanjeeb) February 12, 2023
Legend nhi hai😂😂😂lekin baat sahi boli
— Ketan Singh (@k_e_tan_890) February 12, 2023
Bro venkatesh prasad is bowler kl rahul batsman you are comparing bowler with batsman
— Rohit45 (@KarnarohitMahe2) February 12, 2023
@klrahul time to sack him
— Sanjay K (@sanjayputtur1) February 12, 2023
The moon and Sun which you are seeing is actually Led Bulb. 😃😃
— Dhiraj Sharma (@dhirajs1010) February 12, 2023
I hope you read @venkateshprasad tweet😉
— Anvit (@Anvit_MI) February 12, 2023
bhai prasad sir ne jo bola vo sach hi bola hai
— ABDULLAH (@Abd_Sunasara) February 12, 2023