Fans divided as KL Rahul faces flak for Akash Deep’s dismissal; former India pacer defends him: 'Height of stupidity'

KL Rahul is facing criticism from fans on social media for failing to protect Akash Deep’s wicket as he took a single on the first ball of the last over on Day 4 of the Lord's Test, on Sunday. KL Rahul was on strike when England captain Ben Stokes began the final over of Day 4 in the third Test, but the Indian opener, who finished the day on a gritty 33, took a single on the first ball, exposing nightwatchman Akash Deep.

Indian fast bowler Akash Deep lasted just three more deliveries as Stokes cleaned him up with a classy length ball that held its line from an incoming angle to uproot the stumps. India finished the day on 58/4, having already lost Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair and Shubman Gill.

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The visitors still need 135 runs to win the Lord’s Test and take a 2-1 lead, but only have six more wickets in hand.

KL Rahul criticised by fans for Akash Deep’s dismissal

With tension rising and fans feeling nervous ahead of Day 5, KL Rahul became a target on social media platforms for failing to protect Akash Deep’s wicket. Some fans argued that Rahul should have played out the final over from Stokes as he is a genuine batter and this could have helped India save one more wicket.

A veteran journalist wrote, on X, that Rahul’s decision to make Akash Deep bat for 11 deliveries was the “height of stupidity.”

“Very keen to know what exactly was the plan of K L Rahul who made Akashdeep face 11 deliveries from the fast bowlers. No wonder he is trolled. It was height of stupidity,” he wrote on X.

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Another fan wondered what Rahul was doing. “Why kl rahul giving strike to akash deep,” he wrote.

The opener was blamed for prioritising his own wicket over the team.

“Just wanted to ask Why KL RAHUL gave strike to NIGHTWATCHMAN??? Was he more experienced than Rahul? We are 4 down, just because of KL RAHUL’S keeping himself on non strikers end,” a fan asked on X.

Just wanted to ask
Why KL RAHUL gave strike to NIGHTWATCHMAN???

Was he more experienced than Rahul?

We are 4 down, just because of KL RAHUL'S keeping himself on non strikers end.#INDvsENG #LordsTest

— ANURAAG ॐ SHARMA 🇮🇳 (@7ANURAGSHARMA) July 13, 2025

Few fans come to KL Rahul’s rescue

Not all fans, however, were upset about Rahul taking the single in the last over. Many felt he did the right thing by protecting his wicket. A section of fans believes Rahul will be crucial for India on Day 5 and that preserving his wicket was the right call.

“It’s hilarious how people are losing their minds over KL Rahul taking a single. Like, do y’all even know what a nightwatchman is for? He is there to shield the established batter, not the other way around,” A fan remarked on X.

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh said, “No matter what KL Rahul does, he gets the blame. If KL had to play those 11 deliveries, why was Akashdeep sent in as a night watchman?”

No matter what KL Rahul does, he gets the blame 😃

This coming from a veteran journalist is shocking to say the least.

If KL had to play those 11 deliveries, why was Akashdeep sent in as a night watchman? https://t.co/HWPBomssLb

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

Another fan added: “People who don’t even understand the role & responsibility of a night watchman are abusing KL Rahul out of hate.”