'It's very unlike KL Rahul' - Venkatesh Prasad on India opener's poor dismissal in Colombo Test

India's opening batter KL Rahul was dismissed cheaply in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo during the early stages of the match. Rahul had scored 18 runs off 33 balls when he was struck down in the fourth over of India's innings, with the team's score at 37 for 1 in 10.4 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was batting on 19 at the other end when Rahul departed.

Former India pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad expressed his disappointment at Rahul's dismissal and the manner in which it occurred. Prasad analysed the shot that led to the opener's downfall and highlighted how it departed from Rahul's usual approach at the crease.

"It's very unlike KL Rahul. He had hit a four in that over with a pull shot. Probably he got carried away with that confidence. He generally does not play such shots. It was extremely wide. These were early days in the Test match. It was the very first innings, and he had made 18 runs off 33 balls," Prasad said via Sony Sports Network.

Prasad's critique focused on the contrast between Rahul's natural batting temperament and the aggressive stroke that led to his dismissal. He noted that the pitch at Colombo offered good batting conditions and that the batter had been building his innings steadily before the dismissal occurred. Prasad emphasised that Rahul's typical approach involves occupying the crease with caution and patience rather than playing expansive shots early in an innings.

"He was pretty much set, and there was true bounce on the pitch. It's a great track to bat on. Generally, he plays cautiously and slowly. He is somebody who occupies the crease," Prasad, who also serves as the KSCA President, highlighted further.

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Prasad's assessment underscored the significance of shot selection in Test cricket, particularly during the opening phase of an innings when a batter is still establishing himself at the crease. The dismissal highlighted the risks of departing from established batting patterns, even when a batter has found early success in an over.