When you don't score runs in India... : Sourav Ganguly gives his stern verdict on KL Rahul

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Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes KL Rahul's criticism is justified but also believes the team's faith in the batter means a lot in their confidence in Rahul.

KL Rahul has struggled to make a mark for India with his bat as the player is going through a lean patch, especially in the Test format. The elegant batter has lost his touch and has endured a difficult period in the last twelve months or so. He has only managed 125 runs in his last 10 Test innings, which is below par under any circumstances.

There have been arrays of criticism on the player as former cricketers have got involved in war of words with contrasting views. Amid this, Sourav Ganguly has given his pragmatic view on the situation, stating the criticism the player facing is bound to happen.

"When you don't score runs in India, obviously you will get flagged. KL Rahul hasn't been the only one, there has been players in the past also," Ganguly said in an interview with PTI.

"That's the way it is. There is so much focus and attention to game, which creates a lot of pressure on the players," he added.

Amid the criticism, the Indian team have included Rahul for the final two Test matches against Australia. Both Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid have publicly defended Rahul's selection and have shown their faith in the player. Ganguly, who was renowned for backing up the players during his captaincy days, thinks the opinion of team management is very important.

"I think the team management thinks he is an important player for them. At the end of the day, what the coach and captain think is important. He has performed, but obviously, we expect a lot more from a top-order batter when you are playing for India," Ganguly opined.

KL Rahul has kept his place in the Indian side but has lost his vice-captain role. BCCI's squad for the final two Tests had no designated vice-captain and reports are that Rohit Sharma will choose his deputy on his own before the Indore Test, starting on March 1. India have already retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy as they lead 2-0 in the Test series.