"Former India Player Advocates for KL Rahul's Retention in Test XI"

Former Indian cricketer Venkatapathy Raju has voiced his support for KL Rahul to remain in the Test lineup, despite a disappointing performance in the first Test against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Rahul scored a duck in the first innings and managed only 12 runs in the second, contributing to India's 8-wicket loss.

Amid scrutiny of his form, Raju believes Rahul merits another opportunity. "The Playing XI should remain unchanged. If I were the captain, I would retain the same team. Experience is crucial in the batting order, and KL Rahul cannot be sidelined. He deserves to play in the upcoming Test in Pune," Raju stated in an interview with Times of India.

Since 2022, Rahul has accumulated 514 runs in 21 innings, averaging 25.7 with one century and three half-centuries. Over his 53-Test career, he has scored a total of 2981 runs at an average of 33.87, including eight centuries and 15 half-centuries.

Additionally, Raju highlighted the importance of team confidence, especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on the horizon. "India must keep in mind the five-Test series ahead in Australia and avoid panic. It's essential to give Rahul another chance in the second Test against New Zealand," he concluded.