If you don't score runs in India, you will get flak: Ganguly on KL Rahul

Stripped of vice captaincy, Rahul hasn't crossed 25-run mark in his last 10 Test knocks

It will be difficult for KL Rahul to avoid scathing criticism for his protracted poor run because of the enormous expectations attached with the job, especially when past cricketers have set high standards, says former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.

Stripped of vice captaincy, Rahul hasn't crossed 25-run mark in his last 10 Test knocks. An average of less than 35 in 47 Tests isn't an actual realisation of his real potential.

"When you don't score runs in India, obviously you will get flak. KL Rahul hasn't been the only one. There have been players in the past also," Ganguly told PTI in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals' IPL pre-season camp.

Ganguly tried to put things in perspective as to why the Bengaluru man is being persisted with despite repeated failures.

"There's so much focus and attention with lot of pressure on players. The team management thinks he is an important player for the team. At the end of the day, what coach and captain thinks is important," the veteran of 113 Tests and 311 ODIs said.

Also Read | Ravi Shastri weighs in on KL Rahul situation, says appointing vice-captain at home complicates selection

While Rahul has played some quality knocks in England and Australia, Ganguly said it's obvious that people will expect way more from a talented player like Rahul, who has managed just five Test hundreds in nine years.