Team India registered a dominating 6-wicket win river in the second Test of the series against Australia last week. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Team India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series, thus retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the Indian team produced an impressive outing in the Delhi Test, one player who has faced significant criticism for his performances across both matches is opener KL Rahul.

KL Rahul only managed to register scores of 20, 17, and 1 across three innings in a couple of Test matches. Questions were raised over his inclusion in the Indian XI, with youngster Shubman Gill warming the bench despite good form. Following the second Test, former India cricketers Venkatesh Prasad and Aakash Chopra also engaged in banter on social media over Rahul’s place in the side, with Prasad criticizing the team management for continuing to back the star opener.

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Amid speculations over Rahul’s spot, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir spoke in detail about the situation surrounding the batter and backed him to regain his form. Gambhir worked with Rahul during their stint with Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and is set to reunite with the star in the 2023 edition.

During a chat with Sports Tak, Gautam Gambhir said, “People who are talking about KL Rahul don’t know how tough international cricket is. I believe when a player is not performing he needs more backing as compared to when he is playing well. Name one player who has scored runs from beginning to end. Everyone has faced that phase and you should back the talent.”

He further added, “When Rohit Sharma started his career (he struggled) and now look at his performance. There is absolute change. In the middle of the series this should not be talked about. India are 2-0 up. Each player in the dressing room knows whether he is scoring or not. No media or ex-cricketer can tell players that your performance is not good. Each player evaluates their performance. He should be alone because we all know the quality player he is.”

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While KL Rahul remains part of the squad for the remaining two Tests of the series against Australia, there’s no confirmation on whether he will remain the vice-captain of the side.