Cricket

LSG's Retention Strategy: Chopra Advocates Prioritizing Rahul, PooranFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to prioritize retaining KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Chopra emphasized the crucial role these players have played for the franchise.KL Rahul: The Franchise CornerstoneChopra believes that KL Rahul should be LSG's top retention choice. As the team's captain and a prolific run-scorer, Rahul is indispensable to the franchise's success. "You want to make him the captain, and he is the face of the franchise," Chopra said. "You won't get him for 18 crores in any case. If KL Rahul goes to the auction, he will take 18 crores for sure, and you don't leave the captain in any case."Nicholas Pooran: A Consistent T20 ForceChopra also highlighted the importance of retaining Nicholas Pooran, who LSG acquired for Rs 16 crore in the previous auction. Pooran's consistent performances in T20 cricket have made him a valuable asset for the team. "The sort of performances he has given in T20 cricket—don’t even think about it, you have to retain him," Chopra added.Marcus Stoinis: The Game-ChangerFor the third retention, Chopra suggested Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis was previously retained by LSG for 10 crores and has proven to be a game-changer with his all-around abilities. "He is that game-changer kind of a player," Chopra said.Mayank Yadav: A Potential Uncapped RetentionChopra also mentioned Mayank Yadav as a potential uncapped retention, depending on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Yadav's impressive batting form could earn him a place in LSG's retained squad.

The Indian cricket team displayed unwavering determination in the second Test against Bangladesh, overcoming significant weather disruptions to emerge victorious. Despite losing over two and a half days to rain and a wet outfield, Rohit Sharma's men refused to settle for a draw and instead opted for an aggressive approach.After bowling out Bangladesh on Day 4, India's batting lineup, led by Rohit Sharma, launched an all-out assault on the Green Park Stadium. KL Rahul later revealed that Rohit's clear message to the team was to "find a way to play for the win."Inspired by their captain's words, India set a blistering pace, breaking records for the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250. Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal also etched their names in history by registering the fastest 50-run partnership in Test history."The message was very clear from the start," said Rahul. "We lost a couple of days due to rain, but we wanted to see what we could do in the time that was left. The plan was simple: find a way to play for the win."India's attacking intent continued in the second innings, with Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 146. Despite the weather setbacks, India had put themselves in a commanding position, needing just 95 runs to seal the series 2-0.The hosts eventually secured a seven-wicket victory, further bolstering their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final. India's resilience and determination in the face of adversity showcased their unwavering commitment to success.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on middle-order batter KL Rahul for his scintillating performance in the second and final Test match against England at Green Park in Kanpur. Rahul played a blistering knock of 68 runs off just 43 balls, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to adapt to different match situations.Manjrekar believes that Rahul thrives when given the freedom to play aggressively. "When he has the license, where there is only a one-point agenda, like today, and even in that second innings [in Chennai], although, it was a brief innings, you just see the class of KL Rahul - the shots that he plays," Manjrekar said.Rahul's versatility and adaptability were evident in his innings, as he effortlessly switched between attacking and defensive shots. He displayed his mastery of the reverse sweep, a shot that has become his signature move. Manjrekar lauded Rahul's commitment to the team, noting that he always puts the team's needs ahead of his own.In a rain-affected Test match, India adopted an aggressive approach, aiming to force a result despite the odds favoring a draw. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with their aggressive batting, laying the foundation for a run-scoring fest. India declared on 285/9, taking a 52-run lead over England.With limited overs remaining, England managed to see off the day without losing any wickets. However, Ravichandran Ashwin's exceptional bowling skills proved too much for Zakir Hasan and Hasan Mahmud, who were both dismissed by the master spinner.

India's senior batsman KL Rahul is facing pressure to regain his run-scoring form ahead of a demanding schedule of nine Tests in four months. The team is backing him to rediscover his touch, starting with the ongoing Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.Rahul's return to the side after an injury layoff has been underwhelming, with scores of 16 and 22 not out in the first Test. His last century came in December 2023, a drought that has lasted almost three years.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in Rahul's ability to turn things around. "KL is someone who understands his game very well," Nayar said. "There are times when a player is finding his feet. Hopefully, we can have a turnaround in KL as well."India's upcoming schedule includes three Tests against New Zealand at home, followed by a five-Test tour of Australia. Nayar noted that Rahul showed glimpses of form in the first Test against Bangladesh, particularly in the second innings when he scored 22 off 19 balls."The way he was batting in the second innings is the kind of cricket we are expecting and hoping for," Nayar said. "I am pretty sure going forward you will see the expectations and the performances that you have from him."India's victory against Bangladesh marked a significant milestone, as it pushed their Test win rate above 50 percent for the first time in history. The team has now won 179 Tests and lost 178.

KL Rahul, the talented Indian opener, has showcased his exceptional batting prowess with sublime centuries across various Test venues. Despite his impressive achievements, his career statistics have not fully reflected his potential.Rahul's journey has been marked by both brilliance and inconsistency. He holds the distinction of being the only Indian opener to score Test hundreds in England, South Africa, and Australia. He is also the only visiting batter to achieve two Test centuries at Supersport Park, Centurion, a notoriously challenging ground for non-South African batters. Additionally, Rahul is the only Indian batter to score seven consecutive Test 50s.However, Rahul's overall Test average of under 35 has left fans and critics questioning his consistency. Factors such as a "confused approach," "over-thinking," and "scoreboard inertia" have been cited as potential reasons for his modest figures.Despite these challenges, Rahul has received significant support from successive captain-coach combinations. He was appointed as India's 34th Test captain in 2022, but his form suffered during his tenure. However, he has regained the backing of current captain Rohit Sharma, who has expressed confidence in Rahul's ability to flourish in Test cricket.Rahul's versatility has been a key factor in his longevity. He has seamlessly transitioned from opener to wicketkeeper and middle-order enforcer in ODIs, delivering notable performances such as his match-winning century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023.As India prepares for the upcoming tour of Australia, Rahul's presence as a backup wicketkeeper to Rishabh Pant could prove invaluable. His ability to bat at various positions, including No. 6, provides the team with flexibility and depth.Rahul's career has been a tale of both promise and frustration. With the support of his captain and the team management, he has the opportunity to overcome his inconsistencies and establish himself as a consistent performer in Test cricket.

KL Rahul, India's prodigious batsman, has reached the coveted milestone of 8000 international runs. However, despite this achievement, former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rahul needs to undergo a mindset shift to fully unlock his potential and deliver consistent performances.Rahul's milestone came during the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. After a modest first innings, he played a brief but unbeaten knock in the second, helping India extend their lead. This achievement places him among the elite Indian cricketers who have surpassed 8000 international runs.While acknowledging Rahul's talent, Shastri emphasized the need for a change in mindset. "KL Rahul needs to realize the immense talent he possesses. When he does that and approaches the game with a different mindset, he will become a formidable player," Shastri said.Rahul's inconsistency, particularly in Test cricket, has been a concern. Despite match-winning performances and crucial knocks in limited-overs cricket, his Test average remains a modest 34.12 after 50 matches. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar attributes this inconsistency to a temperamental issue rather than technical deficiencies."Rahul's performances have been erratic. He plays a brilliant innings in one Test and then seems disinterested in the next two or three," Manjrekar commented. "He has some brilliant hundreds, but an average of 34 tells you about his temperament."Reaching 8000 international runs is a testament to Rahul's capabilities across formats. With 8017 runs in 200 matches, including 17 hundreds and 54 half-centuries, he has already achieved what many cricketers aspire to. His versatility as a batter is evident in his performances in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.However, Shastri and other experts believe that Rahul's true potential lies in his ability to perform consistently and reach new heights. This requires a mental shift that will allow him to approach the game with a different mindset and unlock the full extent of his talent.

KL Rahul's underwhelming performance in the first innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh has raised concerns about his temperament and purpose at the crease. Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Rahul's "innings without purpose," highlighting his tendency to overthink his technique rather than relying on his instincts.Rahul, playing in his 51st Test, was dismissed for a laborious 16 off 52 balls by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. His innings came at a crucial juncture when India was struggling at 34 for 3. Rishabh Pant and Yashaswi Jaiswal had provided some stability with a 62-run partnership, but Rahul's dismissal left India in a precarious position.Manjrekar believes that Rahul's temperamental issues have hindered his progress in Test cricket. Despite scoring hundreds in challenging conditions, Rahul's average of 33.87 reflects his inconsistency. "The numbers that he has...He's got hundreds, not one or two, quite a few in testing conditions. But the average of 34 tells you about his temperament," said Manjrekar.Rahul's struggles are particularly concerning given his experience and the importance of his role in the Indian batting lineup. As an opener, he is expected to provide a solid foundation for the team. However, his recent performances have raised questions about his ability to handle pressure and deliver consistently.Manjrekar hopes that Rahul can improve his temperament and rediscover his form in the second innings. "Let's hope things improve for him in the second innings," he said.

KL Rahul's Experience Trumps Sarfaraz Khan's Form for India's No. 5 SpotFormer Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has advocated for KL Rahul to retain his position as India's No. 5 batsman in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, despite Sarfaraz Khan's impressive performances earlier this year.Rahul missed the majority of the England Test series due to injury, allowing Sarfaraz to step in and score 200 runs at an average of 50. However, Srikkanth believes Rahul's experience and overseas success make him the better choice for the No. 5 spot."Honestly, I feel bad for Sarfaraz Khan," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. "But this happens, at times, in Test cricket. You would have been playing well, but when a big player returns, you will have to lose your place."Srikkanth also highlighted the upcoming Australia series, where Rahul's experience in overseas conditions will be crucial. "At the back of the mind, they are also keeping the Australia series. New Zealand are also coming. KL Rahul has performed well overseas, in Australia he has done well," he added.Rahul's recent scores of 37 and 57 in the Duleep Trophy further strengthen his case for selection. Meanwhile, India's top four are set with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, while Rishabh Pant is expected to bat at No. 6 as the wicketkeeper.Sarfaraz's recent Duleep Trophy performance, where he scored 9 and 46, poses a tough decision for the selectors ahead of the Bangladesh series. However, Srikkanth's comments suggest that Rahul is the frontrunner for the No. 5 spot.The Indian team aims to present their strongest team in this series and future tours against New Zealand and Australia. Rahul's experience and overseas success make him a valuable asset to the team, and he is likely to retain his place in the batting order for the first Test against Bangladesh.

KL Rahul, India's star wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about the toll that online trolling and hate have taken on him. Rahul, who has often been criticized for his performances and scoring rates, admitted that while he was initially able to handle the abuse, it eventually began to affect him."I used to be good with (handling) trolling. I did not care, but I feel I was much younger back then. And then, a couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat, I got trolled, if I stood, I got trolled," Rahul said on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath's YouTube Channel.Rahul's last international appearance was during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he scored 31 runs in two innings. Despite a fine ICC Cricket World Cup last year, in which he scored 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33, with a century and two fifties, Rahul was panned for his knock of 66 in 107 balls during the final against Australia, which India lost by six wickets after failing to defend 241 runs against Australia.In this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Rahul also attracted some criticism for his strike rate despite finishing among top 10 run-getters, with 520 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.14, with four fifties. His strike rate of 136.12, lower in comparison to veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and younger stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Rishabh Pant, etc., was a subject of trolling.Back in 2019, both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were handed suspensions from the national team and fined Rs 20 lakh for Hardik's misogynist comments in "Koffee With Karan", before they could return to the team.While Rahul and Hardik featured in the ICC Cricket World Cup that year and suspension did not last very long, it still had a bad effect on Rahul, who admitted of "never being suspended in school".Rahul's admission highlights the growing problem of online abuse and trolling in sports. Athletes are increasingly subjected to vitriol and hate on social media, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. It is important to remember that athletes are human beings, and they deserve to be treated with respect.