Ventakesh Prasad to KL Rahul: Follow Cheteshwar Pujara's footsteps, possible to skip IPL?

India's opening batter KL Rahul has been struggling with bad form. His form has again come under scrutiny after he failed to make a mark in the second Test match against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

During the first innings, Rahul was dismissed on 17, while he only managed a solitary run during the second innings.
India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Sunday after beating Australia in the second Test by a comfortable six wicket win which took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.


Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, has been very critical of Rahul's performance but he has clarified that he doesn't have any "personal issues" with the batter.

"A few people thinking I have something personal against KL Rahul. In fact, it is the opposite. I wish well for him and playing him in such form was never going to enhance his confidence. For him to earn his place back in Test cricket, now that the domestic season has ended," Venkatesh posted a series of tweets.

Prasad suggested that in order to regain his lost mojo, Rahul needs to play county cricket in England. He also urged the 30-year-old to skip the Indian Premier League 2023 edition, if possible.

"Rahul needs to play County cricket in England, score runs and earn his place back, much like Pujara did when he was dropped. Playing Test Cricket for the country and doing everything possible to get back in form will be the best answer. But will it be possible to skip the IPL?" he added.

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma has backed KL Rahul despite his poor outing in the second Test. Sharma told reporters, "It is not just about KL but anyone".

"It was clear from our side that we want him to go out and play his game. We are not going to look too much into what one individual is doing, it is about how everyone needs to come together."

Notably, in the past, Prasad has also suggested that Rahul's inclusion to the team "shakes belief in justice", while also reflecting a "lack of batting talent" in India.

Following another disappointing show with the bat, KL Rahul's participation in the third Test remains a mystery.

The third Test, which was initially scheduled to be held in Dharamshala, will now be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore from March 1-5.