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Nathan Lyon teased KL Rahul for his batting demotion and Sanjay Manjrekar admitted that it was the wrong call.
KL Rahul (Image: Screengrab)
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon teased India’s KL Rahul for his demotion in the batting order in the Boxing Day Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy on Friday. When Rahul came to bat at number three — a spot below his usual for this series — at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Lyon immediately went to him and asked what he did ‘wrong’ to deserve it.
Rahul has been India;s best batter in the rubber, scoring 235 at an average of 47 before Friday. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who pushed himself back to number six after returning to the series in the second Test, was put back to opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, a poor shot from Rohit ended his stay for just 3 (5) in the second over.
“What did you do wrong to go down the batting order?” Lyon said to Rahul.
Watch the video here:
Pat Cummins was lucky to get Rohit out playing a half-hearted pull but bowled a near-unplayable away-nipper to Rahul to get him for 24 (42) as well.
“He (Lyon) also knows he (Rahul) played well,” former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said on the incident. “When you play well against Australia, you get a lot of respect. KL Rahul, who has been India’s best batter in this series, has scored runs as an opener, made opening records — he has been removed from his spot to allow Rohit Sharma a chance to get back to form… it’s a completely wrong thinking.”
“See, Rohit Sharma said in the press conference that he didn’t want to disturb Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s position, given the way they were playing. But has certainly disturbed them at the start of this match,” he added.
Rohit and Rahul’s early wickets was only the surface of a horrible day out for India. Chasing a mammoth 474 from Australia in the first innings, India showed a big fight through Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli’s 102-run stand — but a horrific run-out broke it, sending Jaiswal out for 82 (118).
It brought with it the wickets of Kohli (36 off 86) who edged one against Scott Boland and night watchman Akash Deep. India ended the day at 164/5, trailing behind Australia’s score by 310 runs.
- Location :
Melbourne, Australia
