Karnataka approach BCCI to relieve KL Rahul for Ranji Quarter-Final game

Karnataka batsman, KL Rahul, of late has failed to deliver in the sporadic chances that he got. The 25-year-old batsman, although was named in the Test squad, he failed to make it for the limited overs leg of the India vs Sri Lanka series. Rahul was also dropped from the ongoing third Test owing to his poor run with the willow.

Rahul faces a tough competition for the openers spot with Dhawan and Vijay breathing down his neck. The selectors have also cited the same. the right-hander’s inability to deliver at the top, led to him being axed for the limited overs leg against the Islanders.

However, with him being free of any current commitments, Rahul’s state Karnataka fancy him playing for them in their upcoming Ranji trophy quarterfinal match. Rahul had originally been omitted from the State squad as the Test match is scheduled to conclude just one day before the Ranji Trophy knock-outs begin. Eight-time winner of India’s first-class domestic championship, Karnataka, will be hoping to have Rahul available for its quarterfinal clash with Mumbai, which starts on December 7. The state association has also approached the BCCI to relieve him.

BCCI yet to respond

KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya was quoted saying by Sportstarlive, “Our secretary (Sudhakar Rao) has sent a request to the BCCI to relieve him. The process is on. We are waiting for a response from the BCCI.”

The current team management has tended to allow players to play for their state sides in the event they aren’t part of the playing XI. A case in point is Ishant Sharma, who wasn’t picked in the XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, being released to join up with Delhi.

Rahul had played two of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy 2017-18 group fixtures, scoring 128 runs in four innings, including a 92 against Hyderabad.