Is KL Rahul’s Ranji return after 5 years flops before the Champions Trophy a Risky Move?
KL Rahul’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after a five-year absence did not go as planned, as he managed only 26 runs off 37 balls against Haryana. Coming off a break after the demanding Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was the fifth-highest scorer for India, Rahul’s performance raised concerns about his confidence ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Batting at number three, Rahul initially formed a partnership with captain Mayank Agarwal but fell to a delivery from Anshul Kamboj in the 34th over. His struggles in this match could impact his preparation for white-ball cricket, especially with the ICC event just around the corner. Critics argue that playing just one Ranji match before a major tournament may not have been wise for Rahul, given his recent inconsistency.
Despite his recent form in Tests, where he scored 276 runs in five matches, Rahul’s fluctuating batting position has hindered his performance. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy, there are concerns that this lackluster outing in the Ranji Trophy could affect his mental state and readiness for the challenges ahead.