'On X, people want...': Former India pacer coaches fans bashing KL Rahul on nightwatchman's role in Tests

KL Rahul and Akash Deep run between wickets during the Lord's Test (PTI Photo)

India and England are locked in a gripping affair at Lord's. The visitors need 135 more to win, while the equation is six wickets for England to grab the win. KL Rahul will be seen leading India's charge on the final day as we are all set for a thriller, the outcome of which will decide who takes the lead in the five-match series.

India started Day 4 on a strong note, with Mohammed Siraj leading the show. Washington Sundar, who's bowling credentials were questioned previously, then gave England a shocker. The spinner struck four times, the most by an Indian bowler in the second innings. He accounted for the prized scalps of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir. His efforts prevented England from imposing a gigantic total and gave India a chaseable 193-run target.

Also Read | Lord’s Test: Can India chase 193? A look at what history suggest

The hopes dashed soon as the Indian innings began as Yashasvi Jaiswal was sent back for a duck. Wickets continued to tumble and India were forced to send Akash Deep as nightwatchman.

He too was dismissed in the final over of play bowled by Stokes and soon after internet turned heel on KL Rahul, who returned unbeaten on 33. People argued on social media that Rahul should have faced the final over by the England skipper rather than rotating the strike in the first ball.

Such was the bashing that former India pacer Dodda Ganesh, who has four Test appearances and over 100 first-class matches under his name, had to coach the fans pointing fingers at Rahul.

"From whatever little cricket I’ve played & coached at a professional level, I understand that the ‘nightwatchman’ is sent in to take majority of the strike & protect the main batters (the one in the middle & the guys to follow). On X, ppl want KL to protect Akashdeep," he wrote.

From whatever little cricket I’ve played & coached at a professional level, I understand that the ‘nightwatchman’ is sent in to take majority of the strike & protect the main batters (the one in the middle & the guys to follow). On X, ppl want KL to protect Akashdeep #ENGvIND

— Dodda Ganesh |  (@doddaganesha) July 14, 2025

The onus will now be on Rahul and the batters to follow to guide India through this tricky chase.