**We sometimes take him for granted: Dinesh Karthik on Rahul’s 112***
The Indian cricket team has been blessed with an abundance of talented players over the years, and one such player is KL Rahul. The right-handed batsman has been a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup, consistently delivering impressive performances. However, despite his impressive record, Rahul often finds himself under scrutiny and criticism from fans and pundits alike. Recently, after Rahul’s unbeaten knock of 112 runs against New Zealand in the second ODI, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik came to his defense, stating that we sometimes take Rahul for granted.
Karthik’s comments came as a response to the criticism Rahul has been facing lately, with many questioning his place in the team. The 34-year-old Karthik, who has played alongside Rahul in the Indian team, knows a thing or two about the pressures of international cricket. He understands the mental and emotional toll it can take on a player, and the constant scrutiny they are under. Karthik’s statement, “We as a fan base sometimes take him for granted, isn’t it?” highlights the tendency of fans to overlook Rahul’s contributions and focus on his failures.
Rahul’s unbeaten century against New Zealand was a testament to his skill and determination. He played a mature innings, anchoring the Indian chase and guiding his team to a comfortable victory. However, as Karthik pointed out, “He gets runs when you need it the most, but all he has to do is fail one game, and sometimes play to the situation, and hence end up playing a little slow, and we’re ready to pounce on him.” This statement encapsulates the fickle nature of cricket fans, who are quick to praise a player when they are doing well, but equally quick to criticize them when they fail.
The pressure to perform is a constant companion for international cricketers, and Rahul is no exception. He has been in and out of the team, and has faced intense competition for his spot in the batting lineup. Despite this, he has consistently delivered, and his record in international cricket is a testament to his skill and dedication. However, as Karthik noted, one failure can lead to a barrage of criticism, and Rahul is often judged harshly by fans and pundits.
Karthik’s comments also highlight the importance of understanding the context of a player’s performance. In modern cricket, the margin between success and failure is extremely thin, and a player’s performance can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the opposition, the pitch, and the game situation. Rahul’s innings against New Zealand was a classic example of this, as he adjusted his game to suit the conditions and the requirements of the team.
In conclusion, Dinesh Karthik’s comments on KL Rahul’s unbeaten century against New Zealand serve as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the contributions of our cricketers. We often take players like Rahul for granted, expecting them to perform consistently without acknowledging the pressures and challenges they face. As fans, we must learn to appreciate the efforts of our players, and understand the context of their performances. By doing so, we can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for our cricketers, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential.
KL Rahul’s unbeaten knock of 112 runs against New Zealand was a testament to his skill and determination, and a reminder of the importance of perseverance and hard work. As we look forward to the rest of the series, we must remember to appreciate the efforts of our players, and not take them for granted. By doing so, we can create a positive and supportive atmosphere, which will enable our team to perform to their best and bring glory to the country.