AUS A vs IND A: KL Rahul’s horror run deepens as he gets bowled between his legs
Xtra Time Web Desk: KL Rahul's struggles with the bat continued in the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 8. The Indian opener, who had shown early signs of caution, fell cheaply for just 10 runs off 44 balls. Rahul's dismissal came in a bizarre fashion when he attempted to play an off-spin delivery from Corey Rocchiccioli but misjudged it, allowing the ball to hit his left pad and dislodge the off stump.
Earlier, in the first innings, Rahul was dismissed for a duck, edging a delivery from Scott Boland straight to wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson. His poor form has raised concerns for the Indian Test team, especially after his omission from the squad for the last two Tests against New Zealand, with Sarfaraz Khan replacing him.
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Since 2022, Rahul has scored only 514 runs from 12 Tests at an average of 25.7, with one century and three half-centuries. Despite his struggles, head coach Gautam Gambhir has continued to offer his support to the 32-year-old. Rahul was included in the India A squad for this tour, aiming to adapt to Australian conditions ahead of the five-match Test series against Australia starting November 22. However, with his continued failures, his spot in the playing XI for the first Test in Perth remains uncertain.
"Don't know what he was thinking!"
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 8, 2024
Oops... that's an astonishing leave by KL Rahul ???? #AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/e4uDPH1dzz
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In contrast, Dhruv Jurel made a strong case for himself, scoring a valiant 80 in India's first innings, which ended at 161. Australia A responded with 223, taking a 62-run lead. By Day 2 of the second innings, India A were struggling at 73/5, with Jurel (19*) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (9*) trying to stabilize the innings.
