Published 16:36 IST, February 25th 2020
Kapil Dev astonished at Virat Kohli for ignoring KL Rahul post Wellington Test drubbing
After India's 10-wkt defeat to New Zealand, former captain Kapil Dev expressed his astonishment over not selecting in-form batsman KL Rahul in the playing XI.
The Indian team recently suffered a 10-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The defeat was their first since December 2018 and it also broke their seven-match winning streak in the longest format. New Zealand now lead the two-match Test series 1-0.
NZ vs Ind: Kapil Dev bemused at Virat Kohli for excluding KL Rahul
After India’s crushing defeat, former Indian captain Kapil Dev criticised Virat Kohli and co. for their lacklustre outing in Wellington. While speaking with a leading Indian daily, Kapil Dev praised New Zealand for their performance and questioned Virat Kohli’s tactics for the game. He pointed out that no one in the Indian team is permanent and a new line-up is seen in almost every game.
While lashing out at Virat Kohli and co., Kapil Dev also expressed his astonishment over the exclusion of in-form batsman KL Rahul from the playing XI. Notably, KL Rahul was not selected for the Wellington Test in spite of scoring runs in heaps in the preceding T20I and ODI series in the ongoing tour. KL Rahul was adjudged as ‘Player of the Series’ in India’s 5-0 series win in T20Is for scoring 224 runs in five matches.
The right-hander also notched up his fourth ton in the third match of the ODI series for India. Speaking in defence of KL Rahul, Kapil Dev said that the batsman is in fine form at the moment and it makes no sense to keep him out. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also mentioned that an in-form player needs to get opportunities to play for his national side.
Also Read | NZ Vs Ind 3rd ODI: KL Rahul Century In Vain As India Suffer 0-3 Whitewash In New Zealand
New Zealand vs India 2nd Test Live
The second Test match between the two nations will now be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match will be played between February 29 and March 4. The ongoing Test series also forms a part of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship.
Updated 16:36 IST, February 25th 2020