After Rohit Sharma and company were humiliated by New Zealand on their own territory earlier this month, Sanjay Manjrekar said that the Indian team management is in a panic. KL Rahul was chosen for the second unofficial Test match between India A and Australia A because of the panic in the camp, according to the cricketer-turned-commentator.
In the run-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, Manjrekar emphasised the team selection for the tour games and claimed that India had completely miscalculated their preparations. Rahul’s inclusion in the second game after being benched for the previous two games against the Kiwis did not sit well with the former India batsman. After the Karnataka batter failed in both innings of the Melbourne tour game, the criticism was levelled.
It is noteworthy that captain Rohit Sharma is anticipated to miss the opening Test match against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. An opener to replace the renowned batter is what India is searching for. A member of the squad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, failed to demonstrate his abilities in the two tour matches, which further alarmed the Indian team’s management.
“India is undoubtedly in a panic. What happened against New Zealand at home shakes them a little, and that’s when things start to go wrong. On Saturday, November 9, Manjrekar stated on, “I think that one needs to take a different approach, like there’s nothing to lose here, so that’s the time you go back and do the right thing and play players who deserve to get a chance.”
I’m not sure why, but the team management and the selectors seem to be fascinated by KL Rahul and want him to be included in the starting lineup, whether it be at the top or lower. Perhaps they aren’t as convinced by Easwaran,” he continued.
KL Rahul should count it a blessing that he is receiving opportunities. Sanjay Manjrekar
Rahul should count himself lucky, Manjrekar said, to be given multiple chances to improve his condition. Easwaran should open the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test, which starts on November 22, the 59-year-old stated, despite his shortcomings in the tour matches.
“KL Rahul should count himself quite fortunate to be receiving offers. Few players over the years have been granted such chances and comebacks. The fact that he has been given opportunities despite his declining average suggests that they hope KL Rahul will eventually reach the form he is capable of, regardless of where he is in the order.
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Manjrekar came to the conclusion that although Easwaran’s beginning with Jaiswal did not give them confidence, it will be the appropriate thing to do.
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