"Not Acceptable as an Opener"- Veteran Indian star warns KL Rahul on his batting struggle ahead of AUS test series

KL Rahul has been a vital member of the Indian team across all three formats. He has been also among the consistent performer for the team. But the 2022 hasn't been great for the India's vice-captain. He has been struggling with his batting form.

He was also out of touch on the recent tour of Bangladesh and couldn't give India the start in the test series. KL Rahul led the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma to a 2-0 whitewash over Bangladesh. But his individual performance was below par.

He scored only 57 runs in four innings of two tests with a highest score of 24 runs. And his inconsistency with the bat has certainly raised many eyebrows. His numbers in the T20 World Cup 2022, on the other hand, have also caused many former cricketers and experts to question his place.

Meanwhile, veteran Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who was also part of the Indian team for the T20 WC in Australia, reckons that Rahul is running out of time to make his presence felt in the team.

In a discussion on Cricbuzz after India's win in the second test, Karthik said that he would give another two tests to Rahul, but if he does not perform well in those, it will be hard to give him more chances. DK also pointed out that, as an opener, Rahul's average is in the mid-30s and he has played over 40 Tests, which is not acceptable at all.

Karthik said, "He has played over 40 Tests and his average is just mid-30s. That is not acceptable for an opener. If he wants to cement his place in the Test team, he needs to get a couple of hundreds against Australia. Otherwise, you can definitely see a change, with Shubman Gill doing so well."

India will host Australia for a four-match test series starting in February. Rohit Sharma will be back in the team, and then one of Gill or Rahul will have to make way for him. However, it is more likely that Rahul will be part of the team, but his performance hasn't been up to par.