‘First innings me Taliya, second innings me Galiya’- From Hero, KL Rahul became a villain on social media following India’s defeat against Bangladesh

KL Rahul is one Indian cricketer who, perhaps, gets trolled the most on social media. He was at the receiving end of a lot of criticism from the fans for his lackluster performance at the 20-20 World Cup 2022.

The Indian opener was rested for the New Zealand tour and made his comeback in the first ODI against Bangladesh on Sunday. Once again, the 30-year-old became one of the biggest talking points following India’s heart-breaking 1-wicket defeat over Bangladesh in the first ODI.

He was labeled as India’s hero after the first innings of the match. KL Rahul rescued India from bundling out on an embarrassing total. He came into bat when the team was in trouble at 49 for 3.

Rahul stitched a decent 43-run partnership with Iyer to rebuild the innings but the latter got out at a crucial juncture in the game. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals, thereafter, but KL Rahul held firm at one end.

He ensured runs keep coming despite receiving little support at the other end. Rahul went on to score a brilliant knock of 73 runs in 70 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes, helping his team reach a respectable score.

However, by the end of the match, from the hero of the match, KL Rahul became a villain, thanks to his dropped catch of Hasan Miraz, which led Bangladesh winning the game by 1 wicket.

Indian bowlers bowled superbly to restrict Bangladesh to 136 for 9 in 39.3 overs. However, Mehidy Hasan then stitched a match-winning 51-run partnership to guide Bangladesh home and take a 1-0 lead.

During the 43^rd over of the game, India had the chance to take the last wicket as Mehidy Hasan miscued a pull and KL Rahul looked in great position to take the catch. However, despite getting both his gloves under the ball, he dropped. It proved costly as India lost the game in the end.

Following the game, KL Rahul was trolled brutally for his lapse on the field. Here’s a look at some of the reactions on the same: