**We sometimes take him for granted: Dinesh Karthik on Rahul’s 112***
The Indian cricket team has been blessed with an abundance of talented batsmen over the years, and one such player who has been making waves in the cricketing world is KL Rahul. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has been a vital cog in the Indian team’s batting lineup, and his recent performance against New Zealand in the second ODI is a testament to his skills. Rahul played an unbeaten knock of 112 runs, helping India secure a comfortable win over the Kiwis. However, despite his impressive performance, Rahul often finds himself at the receiving end of criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who has been a part of the Indian team in the past, has come out in support of Rahul, stating that the Indian fan base often takes him for granted. “We as a fan base sometimes take him for granted, isn’t it?” Karthik said in a recent interview. “He gets runs when you need it the most. All he has to do is fail one game, and sometimes play according to the situation, and hence end up playing a little slow, and we’re ready to pounce on him.”
Karthik’s statement highlights the harsh reality of the Indian cricket fan base, who are known for their high expectations and criticism of players who don’t perform up to their standards. Rahul, in particular, has been a victim of this criticism, with many fans and pundits questioning his slow batting style and inability to convert starts into big scores. However, Karthik’s statement serves as a reminder that Rahul has been one of the most consistent batsmen for India in recent times, and his contributions to the team should not be underestimated.
Rahul’s unbeaten knock of 112 runs against New Zealand is a perfect example of his ability to perform under pressure. Batting at a strike rate of over 100, Rahul took the New Zealand bowlers to the cleaners, hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. His partnership with other Indian batsmen helped India post a competitive total, which the bowlers defended with ease.
What’s impressive about Rahul’s performance is his ability to adapt to different situations and conditions. He has been batting in different positions for India, from opening the innings to batting in the middle order, and has shown the ability to perform in all conditions. His technique and temperament have been praised by many, and he is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world.
Despite his impressive performance, Rahul has faced criticism in the past for his slow batting style. Many fans and pundits have questioned his ability to rotate the strike and accelerate the innings, which has led to him being dropped from the team on several occasions. However, Karthik’s statement serves as a reminder that Rahul’s slow batting style is often a result of the situation and the conditions he is batting in.
In modern cricket, where the emphasis is on scoring quickly and aggressively, players like Rahul are often seen as old-school. However, his ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation for the team is invaluable. His partnership with other batsmen has been instrumental in India’s success in recent times, and his experience and knowledge of the game are assets that the team cannot afford to lose.
Karthik’s statement also highlights the pressure and scrutiny that Indian cricketers face. With a massive fan base and high expectations, Indian cricketers are often under intense pressure to perform. One bad game can lead to widespread criticism and scrutiny, which can be overwhelming for even the most experienced players. Rahul, in particular, has faced his fair share of criticism, but he has shown the ability to bounce back and perform under pressure.
In conclusion, Dinesh Karthik’s statement serves as a reminder that KL Rahul is a vital cog in the Indian team’s batting lineup. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different situations and conditions makes him one of the best batsmen in the world. While his slow batting style may not be to everyone’s liking, his experience and knowledge of the game are invaluable assets to the team. As Karthik said, we often take Rahul for granted, and it’s time we appreciate his contributions to the team.
About the Author
