Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made his views clear on KL Rahul failing to find form in Test cricket. Ganguly feels that the criticism is justified as he has not been able to score runs at home. While the coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma and team management have continued to back Rahul, Ganguly feels that it is high time Rahul needs to find ways to score runs.
"When you don't score runs in India, obviously you will get flak. KL Rahul hasn't been the only one. There have been players in the past also," Ganguly told PTI in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals' IPL pre-season camp.
Ganguly explained why Rahul has been given a long rope despite failing to cross the 25-run mark in last 10 Test innings.
"There's so much focus and attention with lot of pressure on players. The team management thinks he is an important player for the team. At the end of the day, what coach and captain thinks is important," former Indian skipper said.
While Rahul still has team management’s faith on the back of six Test centuries in overseas conditions, Ganguly feels that it is only natural that people expect more from him.
"He has performed but obviously you expect a lot more from a top order batter playing for India because the standards set by others are so high.
"When you fail for a while, obviously there will be criticism. I am sure Rahul has ability and I am sure as and when he gets more opportunities, he will have to find ways to score," he explained.
Ganguly feels that Rahul’s problem is not just a mental block but technical as well.
"It also makes it hard if you are playing on these sort of pitches as the balls are turning and bouncing. There's uneven bounce and when you are not in form, it makes it even more harder," the 50-year-old said.
As Rahul has had an extended lean patch, there have been calls to include in-form Shubman Gill as opener in the Test side alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. Ganguly feels that Shubman will have to wait for the opportunity.
"I am sure when his time comes, he will also get a lot of opportunities. I think the selectors, the captain and the coach think of him and rate him very highly. That's why he is playing ODIs and T20Is, and he has performed as well.
"But at the present moment, perhaps message from team management is that he has to wait," Ganguly tried to read the team management’s mood ahead of Indore Test starting March 1.
