‘Has been good as a leader, and average as a keeper today’ – Fans react as KL Rahul misses easy chances in 1st ODI against Australia

India and Australia will meet each other for a three-match mini ODI series in India, while the first match will be conducted on 22 September at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. The Indian cricket board and the team management had previously decided to rest their experienced and key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik, Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav for the first 2ODIs. Hence, in the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL, Rahul is being seen, captaining the Indian squad. 

While KL Rahul has proven to have a stunning comeback after his injury in the Asia Cup for the Indian cricket team and has kept wickets throughout the tournament, while performing the role of the captain, he showcased an ordinary display of wicket-keeping the first ODI against Australia. 

KL Rahul was appreciated for captaincy but criticised for ordinary wicket-keeping

India won the toss and chose to bowl first, and the lethal bowling attack dismissed The Australian squad for 276 runs in 50 overs, while Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott. The men in blue will now have to chase a target of 277 Runs in 50 overs. 

However, KL Rahul’s ordinary wicketkeeping has been criticised by the fans as he missed an easy stumping chance against Marnus Lambuschange, who immediately got out on the same delivery as the ball hit his pads and ultimately the stumps. 

India’s Playing XI Squad for the 1st ODI against Australia: KL Rahul (c), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami.

Australia’s Playing XI Squad for the 1st ODI against India: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis(w), Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins(c), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa

Look how the fans reacted – 

Has been good as a leader

And average as a keeper today

KL Rahul

— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 22, 2023

Worst keeping today

— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) September 22, 2023

simply pathetic. he shld give his gloves to ishan kishan

— mogambokushhua (@mogambokushhua3) September 22, 2023

https://twitter.com/kunal_klr/status/1705187133793947829?s=46

What a fantastic captain KL is!Strike bowlers ko 45 se 50 overs me lana parega, yeh rule tod diya KL ne.40 se 45 overs me Bumrah aur Shami ko le aaya aur Stoinis aur Short ko out kar diya.Otherwise,Stoinis ke samne agar Shardul ko le aate,toh Shardul ek over me 25+ runs de dete.

— Ajitesh Chakraborty (@AjiteshChakrab5) September 22, 2023

https://twitter.com/rccshashank/status/1705158059759419675?s=46

https://twitter.com/captainsurya11/status/1705187904006566014?s=46

KL Rahul and his Wicket Keeping skills !! #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nNNZlmDZwQ

— The Dude (@PuntingDude) September 22, 2023