**We sometimes take him for granted: Dinesh Karthik on Rahul’s 112***
The Indian cricket team has been on a roll lately, and one of the key players who has been instrumental in their success is KL Rahul. The talented batsman has been in scintillating form, and his unbeaten knock of 112 runs against New Zealand in the second ODI was a testament to his skill and dedication. However, despite his consistent performances, Rahul often finds himself at the receiving end of criticism from fans and pundits alike. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently weighed in on the matter, saying that we as a fan base sometimes take Rahul for granted.
Karthik’s comments came after Rahul’s match-winning century against New Zealand, where he remained unbeaten on 112. The Indian team was chasing a modest total, and Rahul’s innings ensured that they crossed the finish line with ease. However, what was notable about Karthik’s statement was that he highlighted the unfair criticism that Rahul often faces. “We as a fan base sometimes take him for granted, isn’t it?” Karthik said. “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 resonates deeply, as it’s true that fans and pundits often have high expectations from Rahul. The talented batsman has been in the Indian team for several years now and has established himself as one of the most consistent performers. However, despite his impressive record, he often finds himself under scrutiny. A single failure, and the critics are quick to pounce on him, questioning his technique, his strike rate, and his overall approach to the game.
The problem with this approach is that it’s unfair to the player. Rahul, like any other cricketer, is human, and he will have his ups and downs. However, what’s remarkable about him is his ability to bounce back from failures and deliver when it matters the most. His unbeaten century against New Zealand was a testament to his skill and dedication, and it’s a reminder that he is one of the most talented batsmen in the Indian team.
Karthik’s statement also highlights the importance of understanding the situation and playing accordingly. In modern cricket, the emphasis is often on scoring quickly, and players who don’t meet this expectation are often criticized. However, what’s forgotten is that cricket is a game of situations, and players need to adapt to the conditions and the requirements of the team. Rahul’s innings against New Zealand was a perfect example of this, as he played according to the situation, taking his time to settle in before accelerating towards the end.
The criticism that Rahul faces is also a reflection of the intense scrutiny that Indian cricketers are under. The Indian team is one of the most followed and most successful teams in the world, and the expectations from fans and pundits are always high. Players like Rahul, who are established stars, are under constant pressure to perform, and a single failure can lead to a barrage of criticism.
However, what’s heartening to see is that Rahul has always taken the criticism in his stride. He has never been one to get flustered by the pressure, and he has always focused on his game, working hard to improve his skills and deliver for the team. His unbeaten century against New Zealand was a testament to his character, and it’s a reminder that he is one of the most talented and dedicated players in the Indian team.
In conclusion, Dinesh Karthik’s statement about KL Rahul is a timely reminder that we as a fan base sometimes take him for granted. Rahul’s unbeaten century against New Zealand was a testament to his skill and dedication, and it’s a reminder that he is one of the most talented batsmen in the Indian team. The criticism that he faces is often unfair, and it’s a reflection of the intense scrutiny that Indian cricketers are under. However, what’s heartening to see is that Rahul has always taken the criticism in his stride, focusing on his game and delivering for the team. As fans, we need to appreciate his efforts and support him, rather than criticizing him for a single failure.