**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 class and skill. However, despite his impressive performances, Rahul has often been criticized and taken for granted by the Indian fan base. This was evident in the comments made by former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who felt that Rahul’s contributions are often overlooked and underappreciated.
“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.” These comments from Karthik highlight the unfair criticism that Rahul often faces, despite being one of the most consistent and talented batsmen in the Indian team.
Rahul’s unbeaten century against New Zealand was a masterclass in batting, as he anchored the Indian innings and guided his team to a comfortable victory. His knock was characterized by his trademark elegance and poise, as he effortlessly stroked the ball to all parts of the ground. However, despite his impressive performance, there were still some critics who felt that he had played too slowly, and that his innings had put pressure on the other batsmen in the team.
This criticism is unfair and unjustified, as Rahul’s innings was a perfect example of how to bat in a run-chase. He assessed the situation perfectly, pacing his innings to perfection, and ensuring that India reached the target with ease. His partnership with the other batsmen in the team was also excellent, as he rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard ticking.
Karthik’s comments also highlight the double standards that exist in Indian cricket, where some players are given more leeway than others. While Rahul is often criticized for his slow batting, other players who have similar strike rates and batting styles are often praised and lauded. This is unfair and unjustified, as Rahul has consistently performed for India over the years, and has been one of the team’s most reliable batsmen.
Furthermore, Karthik’s comments also highlight the pressure and scrutiny that Indian cricketers face, particularly when it comes to their batting. The Indian fan base is known for being passionate and demanding, and players are often expected to perform at a high level every time they step onto the field. This pressure can be overwhelming at times, and can affect a player’s performance and confidence.
In conclusion, KL Rahul’s unbeaten century against New Zealand was a testament to his class and skill as a batsman. Despite his impressive performance, he has often been taken for granted by the Indian fan base, and has faced unfair criticism and scrutiny. Dinesh Karthik’s comments highlight the need for Indian fans to be more patient and understanding, and to appreciate the contributions of all players, not just the ones who are in form.
As Indian cricket continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that the fan base becomes more supportive and encouraging. Players like Rahul, who have consistently performed for India over the years, deserve our appreciation and respect. By being more patient and understanding, we can create a more positive and conducive environment for our players to thrive and succeed.