Cricket

KL Rahul dangerously close to Laxman territory; to be perished for Sarfaraz Khan and Shubman Gill

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2024

India

KL Rahul dangerously close to Laxman territory; to be perished for Sarfaraz Khan and Shubman Gill

To accommodate both Sarfaraz and Gill and stick with their five-bowler formula, a batter from the Bengaluru Test must make way. Ergo Rahul and the predicted axe

VVS Laxman went through the first half of his illustrious 15-and-a-half-year international career with the proverbial axe hanging over him. Despite his magical stroke-play and a well-founded reputation for rallying the lower order to bat above itself, he was forever the first name that sprang to the decision-makers’ minds when they had to drop someone to accommodate someone else. It wasn’t until the second half of his stint with the national team that he had ‘job security’, which automatically manifested itself in an array of glorious, match-turning knocks and earmarked him as one for a crisis.

KL Rahul is now dangerously close to approaching the Laxman territory, though at least in this instance, a case can be made out, perhaps, for why he often seems to be playing for his place. Almost a decade after his Test debut in Australia in December 2014, he has yet to nail down a permanent spot, a result of glaring inconsistency and repeated dalliances with injuries that have left him with a modest average of 33.87 from 53 Test appearances.

Unlike Laxman, who was thrust to the opener’s position for three years from 1997, successive team managements have worked overtime to create space for Rahul. He started off in the middle order in Melbourne against Australia, opened in the next Test in Sydney when he made a sparkling century, continued in that position for a good nine years – around the large pockets when either injuries or lack of form relegated him to the sidelines – and now seems to have found his calling in the middle order, where he was tried out in an almost last throw of the dice in South Africa last December.

In his limited time at the No. 6 position, Rahul has been a revelation. On a spiteful surface in Centurion in his first innings back in the middle order, the classy right-hander made a marvellous 101 – Virat Kohli’s 38 was the next highest score – in India’s 245 all out. Two Tests later, against England in Hyderabad, he waltzed to 86 of the best until a hamstring strain kept him out of the last four Tests.

On his comeback last month against Bangladesh, Rahul showed why he is rated so highly, and therefore why he so frustrates when he chooses to shackle himself mentally, with uninhibited shot-making when India were pressing for a declaration (Chennai) and looking to make up for lost time with a frenetic batting approach (Kanpur) in the two Tests. Kanpur was especially mesmeric, 68 flowing off his bat in a mere 43 deliveries. It was the best of Rahul.

Axe hangs over Rahul’s head for India vs New Zealand 2nd Test

And yet here we are, two innings later, wondering whether he will, or should, feature in the playing XI in Pune, where India take on New Zealand in a must-win second Test from Thursday.

Shubman Gill, him of three centuries in his last six Tests, missed the Bengaluru defeat to the Kiwis with a stiff neck. Replacement batter Sarfaraz Khan made the most of own good fortune with a delectable 150, which makes it near impossible to drop him now that Gill is fully fit. To accommodate both Sarfaraz and Gill and stick with their five-bowler formula which has worked beautifully in the last few years, a batter from the Bengaluru Test must make way. Ergo Rahul and the predicted axe.

One of the few men to have led India in all three formats internationally, Rahul didn’t help his cause with scores of 0 and 12 at his home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the first innings, he was strangled down leg-side by William O’Rourke while in the second, he received a peach from the same paceman operating with the second new ball and was again caught behind. Rahul was one of 11 failures in India’s first-innings 46 and one of seven wickets to fall in 93 deliveries to the second new cherry, but failures past and the logjam created by Gill’s availability have combined to identify him as the most susceptible to the axe.

It’s a cross impossible to bear, but also impossible to ignore just because it is so heavy, so overarching. Rahul is beyond gifted and makes batting appear oh-so-simple, but his struggles to embrace sustained run-making can’t be wished away. He is the eternal team man, much like his celebrated namesake also from Karnataka – both kept wickets admirably in 50-over World Cups 21 years apart, both made attractive and impactful runs during the tournament and both tasted bitter defeat at the hands of Australia in the final – but ‘eternal team man’ can sometimes be an euphemism for the ‘most dispensable’ and Rahul can be excused for thinking that those two lines have blurred beyond repair. Of course, if he is brutally honest to himself, he will acknowledge at least to himself that he too must bear culpability for the blurring of the lines.

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Cricket

Anushka Sharma Cheers as Smriti Mandhana’s RCB Makes History with Second WPL Title!

Published

5 months ago

February 6, 2026

Digital Post

Anushka Sharma hails RCB: Powerful Historic WPL Triumph

The air was thick with expectancy, the stadium buzzed with electricity, and everyone’s attention was focused on the emerging drama. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, which pitted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Capitals (DC), promised to be a spectacular spectacle. We had no idea it would provide so much more – a nail-biting match culminating in a historic victory that sent shockwaves of joy around the cricketing globe, and no one was more excited than Bollywood diva Anushka Sharma. Her exuberant exclamation of “History repeated!” wonderfully captured the enthusiasm surrounding RCB’s stunning win, their second consecutive WPL title.

A Season of Resilience and Redemption

The Journey to the Final

RCB’s path through the WPL season was one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment. Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic leadership led to continual growth, with the team learning from each setback and emerging stronger. Their route to the final was not without challenges, but each one strengthened their resolve, transforming them into a strong force eager to triumph.

Mandhana’s Masterclass in Leadership

Smriti Mandhana, known for her graceful batting, shone as a captain throughout the season. Her cool demeanour under pressure, clever tactical selections, and ability to motivate her teammates all contributed to RCB’s win. She led from the front, both with the bat and as captain, exemplifying the spirit of true leadership.

The Grand Finale: A Battle for Supremacy

DC’s Strong Start

The final against the Delhi Capitals was a match worthy of the occasion. DC, a powerhouse squad, started strong, scoring a tough total that tested RCB’s batting lineup. The early overs were tense, with both sides trading blows as they battled for dominance in the high-stakes match.

RCB’s Clinical Chase

However, the RCB chase was nothing short of clinical. The batsmen showed steel nerves, forming key partnerships and patiently chipping away at the objective. Each run was greeted with enthusiasm, and each boundary elicited tremendous ovation, as the momentum changed in RCB’s favour.

Anushka Sharma’s Elation: A True Fan’s Delight

Beyond The Boundary Ropes

Anushka Sharma, a loud and avid supporter of RCB – and, in fact, of all things cricket, given her husband Virat Kohli’s involvement with the men’s squad – has always been interested in the team’s success. Her presence, though virtual this time, was palpable. Her social media was buzzing with enthusiasm as she tracked every ball, wicket, and run.

“History Repeated!” – A Resounding Declaration

Upon RCB’s momentous victory, Anushka’s joy knew no bounds. Her initial reaction, “History repeated!”, was more than just a congratulatory statement; it was a genuine recognition of the team’s amazing feat. It struck a chord with fans, bringing back memories of RCB’s previous WPL victory and emphasising the squad’s consistent excellence under Smriti Mandhana. This victory was more than simply a single win; it was a declaration of purpose, confirming their place as the dominant force in women’s cricket.

The Impact of Victory

Inspiring a New Generation

RCB’s straight WPL wins are more than simply trophies; they serve as a source of motivation for a generation of ambitious female cricket players. These achievements highlight the incredible skill, devotion, and professionalism of women’s cricket, inspiring young girls to pursue their aspirations in the sport. The WPL’s visibility and success are critical in building a strong ecosystem for women’s cricket around the world.

Solidifying RCB’s Legacy

This second WPL triumph cements RCB’s legacy in the expanding world of women’s franchise cricket. It demonstrates their dedication to excellence, strategic team development, and developing top people. The team has not only won silverware, but it has also won hearts, resulting in a devoted and ever-growing fan base.

A Celebration of Teamwork and Tenacity

Every Player’s Contribution

The success was due to the combined efforts of all RCB players. From crucial bowling breakthroughs to critical runs scored by batters and great fielding exploits, each individual contribution is woven together to create a winning tapestry. It emphasised the value of teamwork, with each player playing an important role in achieving a common objective.

The Power of WPL

The WPL continues to grow in stature and popularity, giving an important platform for female cricketers to demonstrate their abilities on a worldwide scale. Matches such as the final between RCB and DC help to captivate fans and demonstrate the league’s tremendous competitiveness. The continued success of teams such as RCB only adds to the league’s allure and long-term viability.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Maintaining Momentum

As RCB basks in the joy of winning back-to-back WPL titles, the issue now is to maintain that momentum. The cricket world will be looking to see how they evolve, innovate, and defend their championship status in the coming seasons. The benchmark has been established, and expectations are higher than ever.

The Expanding Reach of Women’s Cricket

The WPL’s success, fuelled by compelling finals and celebrity endorsements such as Anushka Sharma’s, demonstrates the growing reach and attraction of women’s cricket. It demonstrates the quality, passion, and rising fans that this format continues to attract, implying an even brighter future for the sport.

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