Fri Sep 20 07:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Cricketer Criticizes India’s Handling of KL Rahul, Calling for Consistency in Selection

**Chennai, India:** Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has raised concerns over the team management’s treatment of KL Rahul, questioning the inconsistent approach towards his batting position.

Jadeja specifically pointed to the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, where Rahul was demoted in the batting order to accommodate Rishabh Pant’s promotion. Despite Rahul being slotted at number 5, Pant was sent in ahead of him after India lost three quick wickets. This decision, while seemingly aimed at injecting attacking intent, ultimately saw Pant score 39 runs before getting out, while Rahul himself was dismissed for 16.

“You can’t keep doing this to KL Rahul,” said Jadeja on JioCinema. “He is a class player and has done well in the past. By promoting Rishabh Pant, you’re giving him importance, but you are also playing with Rahul’s confidence.”

Jadeja further emphasized that if the team intends to keep demotion a recurring tactic for Rahul, it would be more effective to exclude him from the Test squad altogether. This, he argued, would prevent the constant shifts in batting order and ensure a sense of clarity for the players.

While India ultimately reached 339/6 on Day 1 thanks to a strong performance from R Ashwin (102 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (86 not out), Jadeja’s statement underscores the growing debate regarding Rahul’s role and the management’s approach to player confidence.

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