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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India pacer Zaheer Khan expressed his disappointment with KL Rahul's dismissal during India's opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai on September 19. Speaking to CricBuzz, Zaheer pointed out that Rahul, after getting settled at the crease, missed a crucial chance to play a longer innings and help stabilize the team, especially after the top-order collapse.

Zaheer remarked that Rahul's failure to convert his start into a bigger score was a significant missed opportunity, given the tough situation India found itself in. He stressed that Rahul, who had fought through the early challenges, was expected to anchor the innings but fell short of expectations.

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IND vs BAN: On a tumultuous Chennai day, Ashwin and Jadeja steer the ship of Team India

That's Stumps on the opening Day of the Chennai Test! #TeamIndia slammed 163 runs in the final session, courtesy ton-up R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja ???? ????

We will be back for Day 2 action tomorrow! ⌛️#INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard - https://t.co/jV4wK7BgV2 pic.twitter.com/LdgKN746Xe

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 19, 2024

"See, when the team needs you, you'd want to play such a knock that helps your team get out of the troublesome scenario. We have seen in Test matches that when a batter spends some good amount of time on the crease, we call him a 'set' batter. Even with KL Rahul it was the same. He got out of the troubled period at the crease, but to get dismissed to an off-spinner in a straightforward manner, that's a bit disappointing," Zaheer said.

India’s star-studded lineup faltered on Day 1, with key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill being dismissed cheaply. Rahul, who seemed to be finding his footing, was sent back for 16, adding to the team’s woes. However, a vital partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant pushed the team to 144 before both were dismissed.

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IND vs BAN: Sourav Ganguly praise innings of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten partnership

The turning point came with a stellar 195-run stand between R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, which lifted India to 339/6 by stumps. Rahul, returning after an injury that sidelined him for the England series, now faces scrutiny as his performance in this series could impact his place in the team under new coach Gautam Gambhir.