India registered a thumping win in the Nagpur Test beating them within eight sessions. However, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad is not happy with the team selection. Prasad claimed that KL Rahul’s selection in the Test side is a result of “favouritism” and not based on merit.
On Day 1 of the Test, Rahul failed to capitalise on yet another start as he got out after scoring 20 runs off 71 deliveries while India went on to post 400 to take a 223-run lead. Prasad feels that Rahuls’ numbers don’t justify him getting a long rope.
"Rahul's selection is not based on performance but favouritism. Has been consistently inconsistent and for someone who has been around for 8 years not converted potential into performances," Prasad wrote on Twitter.
Prasad backed up his comments with statistics. He feels that the in-form Shubman Gill should have been given a chance. Also, he was baffled why Sarfaraz Khan is yet to receive his maiden Test callup.
"A Test average of 34 after 46 Tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can't think of many who have been given so many chances."
"When there are so many waiting in the wings & in top form. Shubhman Gill is in sublime form, Sarfaraz (Khan) has been scoring tons in FC (first-class) cricket and many who deserve a chance ahead of Rahul.
"Some are just lucky to be given chances endlessly till they succeed while some aren't allowed to," said Prasad on February 11.
"I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul's talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par."
Rahul has been donning the captain’s hat in Indian Premier League (IPL) for a few seasons. From last season, he has been leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who reached the playoffs. Prasad believes that him leading an IPL team is one of the reasons why he has had an extended stay in the longest format.
"One of the reasons why many ex-cricketers aren't vocal despite seeing such favouritism is the chances of losing out on potential IPL gigs," Prasad wrote in a series of tweets.
Prasad did not hold back and criticised Board of Control for Cricket in India as well.
"They (Indian cricket board) wouldn't want to rub the captain of a franchise wrong way, as in today's age most people like yes men and blind approvers. "Often well wishers are your best critics but times have changed & people don't want to be told the truth," added Prasad, who represented India in 33 Tests and 161 ODIs.
Prasad also wants Rahul to be stripped off Test captaincy. He also suggested five names who can be fit for the role.
"And to make matters worse, Rahul is the designated vice-captain. Ashwin has a great cricketing brain, should be the vice captain in the Test format.
"If not him should be (Cheteshwar) Pujara or (Ravindra Jadeja) Jadeja. Mayank Agarwal had a far better impact than Rahul in Tests and so did (Hanuma) Vihari."
