A Hindi saying loosely translates into “mite is also crushed with wheat” and it pragmatically applies true to the Indian opener KL Rahul (for those who don’t know Rahul is a tall, elegant a right-hand batsman who can keep wicket in a crisis, KL Rahul is among the most highly rated opening batsmen in India & next generation. Rahul was a part of India & squad in 2010 Under- 19 World Cup and made his first-class debut later that year. His twin centuries in the Duleep Trophy final earned him a place in India’s Test squad on their tour of Australia )whose maiden visit to a talk show “Koffee with Karan” alongside bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya cost him his place in the team leading to a temporary ban under article 41(6) of the BCCI constitution which reads as:
Pending injury and proceeding into Complaints or charges of misconduct or any act of indiscipline or violation of any rules and regulations, the concerned member, administrator, player, match official, team official or any other player associated with the BCCI (along with their respective benefits and privileges may be suspended by the Apex Council until final adjudication. However, the said adjudication ought to be completed within Six Months, failing which the suspension shall cease.
The tussle coupled up with trolling started after Hardik Pandya made sexist remarks that didn’t go too well with the public (please refer to my article dated 17 Jan “The Pandyas paradox”. Just like the section 120(B) of the Indian constitution which awards equal punishment to all the persons involved directly or indirectly, KL Rahul has also been charged with similar (to be read as same,) clause of the BCCI constitution namely clause 17 and 18. Clearly, this is not a criminal matter and at most a moral offence (from Rahul’s end) that he sat with Pandya and did not object. The fact is that the questions are given and discussed in advance with the participants and it is also possible to edit the show even if something inappropriate has been said in the heat of the moment. So should Rahul’s silence be considered as his consent to Pandyas remarks or he should be given a “benefit of the doubt” which every sportsman is more than happy to get viz it be on the field or off the field?
CHALLENGES FOR RAHUL- Certainly the major fault is of Mr Hardik Pandya (if there is) but the upcoming challenges for Rahul will be much more difficult. Owing to his recent performance in the Australia series it was already difficult for him to retain his spot and now after the ban comeback would be even tougher. India has a plethora of opening options including our very own Gabbar, Dhawan etc. Pandya being bowling all-rounder will still be considered due to lack of options but Rahul is easy to replace.
Pandya has surely got a lot of attention leading to a lot of people advocating him on grounds of both, his performance and also freedom of speech but that has not been seen much with Rahul whose head is also under the same axe making him the silent slay.
