Cricket

KL Rahul Returns to Practice, Boosting India's Hopes Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyNEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team received a much-needed boost on Sunday as star batter KL Rahul returned to practice after recovering from an elbow injury. Rahul had sustained a blow to his elbow during a simulation match on Friday and had left the field, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.However, Rahul's return to practice on Sunday has eased those concerns. The 32-year-old batted for nearly an hour at the center wicket, facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He also had a net session with both old and new balls.Rahul's return is particularly crucial given the recent injury to Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb on Saturday and is set to miss the first Test match. In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahul is expected to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.Rahul's return to form is also a welcome sign for the Indian team, which has been struggling in recent months. The team lost a 3-0 home series to New Zealand, with Rahul scoring just 12 runs over two innings.The Indian Test team has been practicing match simulations against a side comprising India A squad members and fringe players at the WACA ground in Perth. The first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22.

KL Rahul's Poor Form Raises Concerns Ahead of Bangladesh Test SeriesAs the race for places in the Indian Test cricket team intensifies ahead of the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, star batter KL Rahul's recent form has become a cause for concern. Playing for the Shubman Gill-led India A in the Duleep Trophy, Rahul's clumsy knock of 37 off 111 balls against India B has raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike.Rahul's dismissal by India B spinner Washington Sundar on Day 3 of the match has further fueled the debate about his current form. The batter's slow and laborious innings has drawn criticism on social media, with fans questioning his ability to perform at the highest level.The squad for the Bangladesh Test series is expected to be announced after the first round of matches in the Duleep Trophy. However, Rahul's underwhelming performance has put his place in the team in jeopardy.Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Rahul's poor form, with many fans expressing their disappointment and frustration. Some have even suggested that he should be dropped from the Test team."NO Intent NO runs, on a Pitch which has eased out for batting!! All bows Legend KL RAHUL," tweeted one fan.Another fan commented, "If you want someone to discourage themselves from watching cricket, tell them to watch KL Rahul batting. I bet you will go in depression."Rahul's struggles have also been noticed by former cricketers. Manoj Tiwari, a former India batsman, tweeted, "This man has lost his confidence that he can make runs also."Despite being the top-scorer for India A in their first innings, Rahul's slow and unconvincing knock has left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans and selectors alike. With the Bangladesh Test series just around the corner, Rahul will need to find his form quickly if he wants to retain his place in the Indian team.