Indian opener KL Rahul must have had a life changing experience in the last few months given the turmoil he faced after his appearance along with Hardik Pandya on the Koffee with Karan chat show hosted by Bollywood director Karan Johar.
Their appearance on the show and the controversial statements given by them caused the duo to be criticized on social media and was suspended from the Indian team bound to play Australia in a limited overs series and also against New Zealand.
After much drama and penance from both players, the suspensions were revoked and Rahul was added to the India A side playing England Lions. He failed to do much in the last two one-day matches, scoring a golden duck in the last one. Pandya meanwhile, returned to the Indian team in New Zealand.
Rahul was also named the skipper of the India A team to play the England Lions in the second of the four-day unofficial Tests at Krishnagiri Stadium, Wayanad.
In the first match, Lions scored 340 runs in the 1st innings after deciding to bat first. Ben Duckett (80), Sam Hain (61), and Will Jacks (63) were the highest run-getters. Navdeep Saini proved to be the best bowler for India A picking 5/79.
In reply, KL Rahul and Priyank Panchal led the charge against the Lions and after Easwaran was dismissed by Chappell for 31, took India A to 219/1 at the end of the day.
Panchal remained not out for 89 with 16 fours, while Rahul made 88* with 11 fours.
BRIEF SCORES:
ENG-L 340 (B DUCKETT 80; N SAINI 5/79) and IND-A 219/1 (KL RAHUL 88*, P PANCHAL 89*)
India A Trail By 121 Runs