**We sometimes take him for granted: Dinesh Karthik on Rahul’s 112***
The Indian cricket team has been on a roll lately, with their recent performance against New Zealand in the second ODI being a testament to their skill and determination. One player who has been instrumental in their success is none other than KL Rahul, who played an unbeaten knock of 112 runs to help his team secure a win. However, despite his consistent performances, Rahul has often found himself at the receiving end of criticism from fans and pundits alike. According to ex-India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, this is because “we as a fan base sometimes take him for granted, isn’t it?”
Karthik’s statement highlights the unfair treatment that Rahul has received from the Indian cricket fan base. Despite being one of the most consistent performers for the team, Rahul has often been criticized for his slow batting style, with many fans and pundits calling for him to be more aggressive and attacking in his approach. However, as Karthik pointed out, “He gets runs when you need it the most…All he has to do is fail one game…Sometimes play according to the situation…and hence end up playing a little slow and we’re ready to pounce on him.”
This criticism is not only unfair but also unjustified. Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers for the Indian team in recent years, with a string of impressive performances in both ODIs and T20Is. His ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation for the team has been invaluable, and his unbeaten knock of 112 runs against New Zealand is a testament to his skill and determination.
Moreover, Rahul’s slow batting style is often a result of the situation that the team finds itself in. In many cases, Rahul has been forced to bat cautiously and slowly in order to stabilize the innings and provide a platform for the rest of the batsmen to build on. This is not to say that he is incapable of playing aggressively and scoring quickly, but rather that he is often required to play according to the situation and the needs of the team.
Karthik’s statement also highlights the fickle nature of the Indian cricket fan base. As soon as a player fails in one game, they are quickly written off and criticized, regardless of their past performances. This is not only unfair to the player but also creates a culture of negativity and criticism that can be detrimental to the team’s performance.
In contrast, when a player like Rahul scores a century, as he did against New Zealand, he is often praised and hailed as a hero. However, this praise is often short-lived, and as soon as he fails in the next game, the criticism starts again. This is not only unfair to Rahul but also creates a culture of inconsistency and unpredictability that can be damaging to the team’s morale and performance.
In conclusion, Dinesh Karthik’s statement highlights the unfair treatment that KL Rahul has received from the Indian cricket fan base. Despite being one of the most consistent performers for the team, Rahul has often been criticized for his slow batting style, with many fans and pundits calling for him to be more aggressive and attacking in his approach. However, as Karthik pointed out, Rahul gets runs when they are needed the most, and his ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation for the team has been invaluable.
It is time for the Indian cricket fan base to appreciate Rahul’s contributions to the team and to recognize the value that he brings to the table. Rather than criticizing him for his slow batting style, we should be praising him for his ability to adapt to different situations and to provide a solid foundation for the team. By doing so, we can create a more positive and supportive culture that will help the team to perform at its best and to achieve success in the long run.
About the Author
