'Lucknow Connection' - Fans react as Gautam Gambhir praises Rohit Sharma for backing KL Rahul despite poor form

KL Rahul-Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir (Source: Twitter)

India's opening batter KL Rahul's poor form has invited a lot of criticism from former cricketers and fans across the country. Rahul is currently going through the worst phase of his career and has had a disappointing run against Australia in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. He has also been removed from the vice-captain role in India's longer format and is uncertain whether he will be included in the playing XI for the next two Tests. However, amid criticism from all corners, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has come out in support of KL Rahul and asked the media and ex-cricketers to leave him alone.

Speaking to Sports Tak, Gambhir said: “People who are talking about KL Rahul don't know how tough international cricket is. I believe when a player is not performing, he needs more backing as compared to when he is playing well. Name one player who has scored runs from beginning to end. Everyone has faced that phase and you should back the talent."

Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Rahul's poor form

India had impressive wins against Australia in the first two Tests, which helped them to retain the BGT. But everyone was worried about Rahul's form and wanted Shubman Gill to replace him. Former cricketers like Venkatesh Prasad and Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the Indian opener. Meanwhile, after India's win in the Delhi Test, captain Rohit Sharma broke his silence on Rahul's long lean patch and backed him.

"Of late, there has been lot of talk on his batting. But for us as team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, guys will get that extended run," Rohit said.

Gautam Gambhir was impressed by the Indian captain's reply to Rahul's critics. "I appreciate Rohit Sharma for backing KL Rahul. Rohit's career was similar in the beginning. Today you can see the kind of player Rohit Sharma is," he said.

The former India opener added: “When Rohit Sharma started his career (he struggled) and now look at his performance. There is absolute change. In the middle of the series, this should not be talked about. India are 2-0 up. Each player in the dressing room knows whether he is scoring or not. No media or ex-cricketer can tell players that your performance is not good. Each player evaluates their performance. He should be left alone because we all know the quality player he is."

However, fans responded to Gambhir's support for Lucknow franchise captain KL Rahul in the India T20 League.

Here are some reactions: 

KL Rahul career is beginning ? Guy is almost 31

— sᴀᴏᴏᴅ (@Kohlistiano) February 23, 2023

Rohit thinks cricket is his family owned business.

— The new Bharat Army (@vaspar78) February 23, 2023

Well said backing player is good and we need that but two different stories going.. shubman is in dream form .. we can give him a chance too

— Nitin jain(Sachinsuperfan) (@NitinSachinist) February 23, 2023

Lucknow connection 🤣😂

— Lover Boy (@MatesFunny) February 23, 2023

Yeah but KL is 31 not 26 or 27

— Jesus when he is drunk (@brizilsomanna3) February 23, 2023

Unreal di*keating to maintain his place in LSG

— Manan (@__Manan__04) February 23, 2023

But kl rahul career is not beginning. Mr panauti gambhir lodu

— Aman (@aman_nohara) February 23, 2023

Beginning bkl Rahul ka career middle bhi cross kar chuka hai

— ZizouFan (@ZizouInFCB) February 23, 2023

No player require backing after 8 year of career

— CYCLOTRON (@hardik280752441) February 23, 2023