Fri Sep 20 07:46:56 UTC 2024: ## Rahul’s Temperament Questioned After Poor Start Against Bangladesh
**Chennai, India:** Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns over KL Rahul’s temperamental issues following his lackluster performance on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh. Rahul, returning to the Test team after a recent resurgence, managed just 16 runs, appearing uncomfortable at the crease.
Manjrekar highlighted that Rahul’s inconsistency has been a recurring theme throughout his career, with brilliant innings often followed by underwhelming performances. “This has been the KL Rahul story,” Manjrekar stated, “He plays a brilliant innings at the Test level and the next two three innings it seems like he has got a pair in the last Test.”
Comparing Rahul’s struggles to his own experiences, Manjrekar attributed them to mental demons that can hinder focus and instinctual play. “It’s more a temperamental problem for KL Rahul,” he concluded, pointing to Rahul’s average of 33.87 in 50 Test matches despite scoring several centuries.
Rahul’s recent performances have been characterized by inconsistency, failing to reach a half-century in ten innings during the Bangladesh tour and home series against Australia. Although he regained form with a century in South Africa and a good knock against England, his overall inconsistency raises questions about his place in the team, especially considering the strong form of Sarfaraz Khan.
Despite Rahul’s struggles, India’s innings was salvaged by a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*), who added 195 runs to take the team to 339/6 at stumps.
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