'No Need to Panic, KL Rahul Can't...': Ex-Cricketer Makes Massive Prediction for India's Playing XI for Pune Test

KL Rahul has been under the spotlight following his underwhelming outings in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The Karnataka batter failed to deliver with the bat at his home ground, scoring 0 and 12 across innings. As India move to Pune intending to level the series, the question looms over Rahul’s place in the playing XI.

However, former India bowler Venkatpathy Raju suggested that there’s no need to tinker with the playing XI going into the Pune Test. Speaking with TimesofIndia.com, Raju said Rahul is an experienced batter and should not be dropped for the next game.

“I don’t think we should tinker with the playing XI. If I were the captain, I would go with the same side. You need experienced hands in your team. You can’t bench KL Rahul after just one Test match. He is an experienced batter and should play the next Test. There’s no need to panic. India are still on top of the WTC standings,” Raju was quoted as saying by TimesofIndia.com.

“Rohit is a positive captain. He goes in with a positive approach, and he knows that what’s done is done, and now it’s time to level the series. I’m sure he will,” he added.

KL Rahul’s recent performances have raised concerns, as he has struggled to make a notable impact in his last five innings, managing just one half-century in India’s recent series against Bangladesh. Earlier in the year, he scored a fifty against England and a century in South Africa, but his inconsistency has led to questions about his spot in the squad.

“India already have three spinners who played the Bengaluru Test. Washington will only be included if there is an injury. On the basis of one match, we shouldn’t panic. Conditions were different in Bengaluru. No one knew how the pitch would behave. It happens. Weather is not in our hands. We’ve played good cricket, and that 46 all-out should be left behind. It’s in the past, and the past should be buried. We should learn and move on. Rohit’s focus should be on the next two Tests, and I’m confident India will bounce back and win the series,” he said.