‘KL Rahul’s selection is based on favouritism’ – Former Indian seamer’s bold statement on star India batter

Former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad slams hard on star India batter KL Rahul as he failed to score runs in the first Test against Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that his selection is not on the basis of form but on favoritism. The statement came on the same day when India defeated Australia by an inning and 132 runs to lead the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0.

“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,” the former pacer wrote on Twitter.

Mayank Agarwal had a far better impact than Rahul in Tests: Venkatesh Prasad

“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 (Khan) has been scoring tons in FC (first-class) cricket and many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul,” Prasad was quoted as saying in Indian Express.

“Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren’t allowed to. I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par,” he added.

Prasad backed Ravichandran Ashwin to be Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the Test matches and along with him he mentioned the names of five more players who can accompany Rohit in the longest format of the game.

“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 he should be (Cheteshwar) Pujara or (Ravindra Jadeja) Jadeja. Mayank Agarwal had a far better impact than Rahul in Tests and so did (Hanuma) Vihari,” the 53-year-old asserted.