The curious case of KL Rahul: Talent or favouritism? A match winner or a liability?

KL Rahul's continuation in the Test team has come as a surprise for many. But the Indian team management has persisted with the 30-year-old, using his twin tons -- that came in overseas Tests back in 2021 -- in defence of his continuous selections. There has not been a single 25-plus score in the last 10 Test innings for Rahul and despite that his selection in the Test team has turned out to be the the most curious cases in Indian cricket.Not many have survived the kind of failures that Rahul has endured and fewer have received such unwavering support that the man from Bengaluru has received in recent times. So why is he being persisted with?

Talent or favouritism? a match winner or a liability? There are varied opinions, but for the men who matter, he is precious.

1/11KL Rahul faces heat for poor batting formShow Captions<p>India opener KL Rahul has been under fire of late for his poor Test form. </p><p>In India's 1st innings of the 2nd Test, Rahul initially stood firm against the opposition attack.</p><p>But Nathan Lyon turned on the heat to dismiss Rahul in both the innings. AFP</p><p>Rahul has gone past 25 just once in his last 11 Test innings, scoring -- 50, 8, 12, 10, 22, 23, 10, 2, 20, 17 and 1. </p><p>Since 2017, Rahul only has 1204 runs in 48 innings at an average of just over 26. </p><p>Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad lashed out at the Indian team management for persisting with Rahul. </p><p>Prasad said that the Rahul's inclusion costs other talented batters a place in the national side.</p><p>Citing the example of Sarfaraz Khan, Prasad slammed the selectors for ignoring players who have been performing consistently in the domestic circuit. </p><p>India also have Shubman Gill, who is in sublime form, in the