'It's not the technique, it's what is happening between the ears' - Dinesh Karthik's bold remarks on KL Rahul's struggles

KL Rahul has been the talk of the town for the past few days owing to his poor form in Test cricket. The opening batter has been having a forgettable time with the bat in the longest format as he has played ten innings without scoring a half-century. His dismal form has even led to him losing his vice-captaincy in Tests. Now, there have been widespread talks about dropping him from the playing eleven for the remaining two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Indian wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik, who is a part of the commentary panel for the series, mentioned that he felt bad for the Indian opener who has failed to get back in form. Rahul was dismissed for just one in the second innings of the second Test against Australia in Delhi. He flicked a back-of-a-length delivery only to find Peter Handscomb at forward short leg who managed to get his pads and body on the way to send the ball towards keeper Alex Carey, who eventually caught it safely.

Karthik said that if Rahul loses his place in the playing XI for the third Test, it would be due to his low returns in the last ten innings.

"He also knows for a fact that if he's going to be dropped for the next match, which is pretty much an eventuality, it is not because of the one innings, it is because of what has transpired in the last five-six Test matches. He is a class player. He is very good in all formats. At this point, I don't think it's the technique, it's what is happening between the ears. He might need some time away from the game. Come back fresh for the ODIs," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Karthik further said that he knew what Rahul was going through having faced similar situations in his career. He also revealed that during such phases in his career he used to go to the washroom and shed a tear or two.

"This is a professional world, you've got to deal with those sorrowful moments but as a player when I look at what he has gone through. When you get out that way knowing very well this could have been your last innings. It has happened to me when you go into the dressing room, quietly walk into the toilet, and shed a tear or two. It's not a nice feeling because there's not much you can do," he said.

KL will come back strongly: Dinesh Karthik

Karthik echoed the words of several experts and fans and said that Rahul will have to make way for Shubman Gill, who’s in the form of his life, for the remaining two Tests. However, the Tamil Nadu cricketer was also quite confident of Rahul making a strong comeback in the ODIs.

"Temporarily for the moment, I will have to go with Shubman Gill. He batted beautifully. There will be just one change in the India XI (for the third Test). I felt bad for KL Rahul. He has been under the scanner. But one thing is for sure, KL will come back strongly and when he does, there are not too many right-handed batters who can match him with the quality and range of shots," Karthik added.