Screenshot 2021-03-17 124118

Picture Credit: BCCI

India's star cricketer KL Rahul is probably going through an extremely rough phase in his international career. The 28-year-old has already been ousted from India's first-choice Playing XI in the Test format. He was expected to play a crucial role in the T20I series but has only managed to register scores of 1, 0, 0 in the first three matches in Ahmedabad.

The talented cricketer has struggled against the brutal pace of England's bowlers and has been on the end of criticism from fans and experts. However, the Indian team management have offered complete support to one of the most talented cricketers in the country.

KL is a champion player: Kohli

After India's defeat against England in the 3rd T20I, Virat Kohli spoke about KL Rahul's struggles. After an ongoing debate about India's opening combination, skipper made it very clear that Rahul and Rohit are India's first-choice openers in the shortest format.

In the post-match conference, Kohli said, "Well, I was going through a lean patch two games ago. He (Rahul) has been a champion player. If you look at his stats in the last 2-3 years, they are probably better than anyone in T20s. He will continue to be one of our main batters along with Rohit at top of the order."

Rahul's impressive stats since his debut

We need to support KL: Vikram Rathour

India's batting coach Vikram Rathour also defended KL Rahul and added that he is the best batsman for India in T20Is. He said, "Anybody can have a lean phase. In last 1 year, KL has been our best batsman in T20 format. He is averaging 40+ with a strike rate of 145. Three failures does not change the fact that he is probably the best batsman we have for this format."

Rathour added that KL has done really well for India in the past year. The 51-year-old said that it's time that the team management supports the cricketer in this tough phase. He went on to say that he's absolutely sure about Rahul coming out of this lean phase very soon that he is going through.

Check out what experts said about KL's lean phase:

There is no doubt that KL has been a mainstay for Men in Blue in the shortest format. The stylish player is one of the most technically sound batsmen in the country and has a wide array of shots. With the series on line, the Indian fans would just be hoping that the opener can find back his groove and come out of this lean phase in the last 2 matches. India face England for the 4th and 5th T20Is on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.