India’s first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has not only been eventful on the field but also sparked curiosity off it. KL Rahul, once a vital cog in India’s Test line-up, had another underwhelming performance, which led many to speculate whether this could be his final appearance in Test cricket. The Indian batter was seen touching the ground after the match, a gesture that fueled the rumors about his future in the longest format of the game.

KL Rahul’s struggles continue

KL Rahul’s form in Test cricket has been under scrutiny for a while, and the ongoing first Test against New Zealand did little to help his cause. In the first innings, Rahul fell for a six-ball duck, while in the second, he managed just 12 off 16 deliveries before being dismissed by Ajaz Patel. His failure to stay at the crease during crucial moments added to the pressure, especially as his teammates, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, put up stellar performances with scores of 150 and 99, respectively.

Rahul’s inconsistency has been a matter of concern for some time now. With just 234 runs in eight innings this year, including two fifties, he has struggled to find his rhythm. Both of his half-centuries came in challenging situations where he was shifted to different batting positions, but the lack of substantial scores has disappointed fans and experts alike. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary even suggested that India’s domestic circuit has more deserving talents who could replace Rahul in the Test squad.

The ground touching gesture: What does it mean?

After the match concluded, a video of KL Rahul touching the ground as he left the field went viral, raising eyebrows across the cricket community. The act appeared to be a sign of respect for the ground, but it also led to speculation that this might have been his last Test match for India. Fans began to wonder if the gesture symbolized a farewell, as Rahul’s place in the Test team has been under threat due to his recent performances.

In all probabilities KL Rahul played his last test match today.
Go well in ODIs n T20Is
👍🏻Thank you KL Rahul !!pic.twitter.com/t0zbqiraky

— Sambhaji Choudhary (@sambhaji4304) October 20, 2024

With a crucial Test series underway and many questions about his form and position, the focus will be on how Rahul responds to this challenging phase in his career. The Indian Test team has a rich pool of talented batters waiting for their chance, and the next few months will be decisive for Rahul. As India gears up for two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-match series against Australia, the Karnataka batter may have to fight harder than ever to retain his place.

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The viral video of Rahul’s ground-touching gesture only adds to the intrigue. Was it simply a show of respect, or did it carry a deeper meaning? Only time will tell if this was the last time we saw KL Rahul in a Test jersey, but for now, the speculation continues to grow.