KL Rahul Defended from Online Hate After England ODI Series Loss

KL Rahul, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has been at the receiving end of online hate and bullying after India's narrow defeat to England in the series-deciding ODI at Lord's on Sunday. Former India player Dodda Ganesh has stepped in to shield Rahul from a fresh wave of online criticism.

What happened?

England had posted a massive total of 387, powered largely by a brilliant knock from Ben Duckett. India's response initially looked promising, with Rohit Sharma striking a magnificent 137 off 110 balls, laced with 17 boundaries and five sixes, before eventually being dismissed by Jacob Bethell. His departure left India at 260 for 2, still needing 128 more runs from just 68 balls, an already difficult ask that grew tougher once Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer fell in quick succession for modest scores.

Why it matters for KL Rahul

By the time Rahul walked out to bat, India required 84 runs from the final six overs, with Virat Kohli still holding firm at the other end. However, once Kohli was dismissed by Sam Curran, the equation became significantly harder to chase down. Rahul tried to seize the momentum, attacking with the required rate climbing past 15, and opened Jofra Archer's over with back-to-back boundaries. Unfortunately, the pacer struck back soon after, bowling him for just 12.

What comes next?

Following the defeat, an X user questioned online whether anyone would credit Rahul for his effort, sarcastically asking if the hashtag ThankYouKL was trending yet. Responding directly to that post, Ganesh didn't hold back, pointing out that this exact kind of narrative is precisely why Rahul continues facing disproportionate criticism online despite his impressive numbers. He wrote: "The reason KL Rahul faces so much hate and bullying online despite his unreal numbers and versatility in ODIs, is accounts like these. The game was practically over by the time KL came to bat at no 6, but who gets the blame? It’s KL again. At this rate KL could be even blamed for Indian diplomatic relations with the rest of the world."

A look at Rahul's recent form

Rahul's numbers over his last ten ODI innings paint a picture that doesn't quite match the criticism he's receiving. He has posted three fifty-plus scores in that stretch, including a match-winning unbeaten 112 against New Zealand in Rajkot and useful contributions of 66 and 60 against South Africa. There have been quieter outings too, including a golden duck against Afghanistan in Lucknow, but overall, the sample suggests a batter who has largely delivered when needed rather than one deserving constant scrutiny.