Nathan Lyon Rattles KL Rahul with Mind Games on Day 2 of MCG Test

The Indian team's top batsman in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024–25) has been KL Rahul. Interestingly, after Rohit Sharma missed the first Test, the right-handed batsman was elevated to the position of opener. Up to the third Test in Brisbane, he has since started the innings and performed admirably, amassing 235 runs in six innings.  

On the second day of the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne, Australia's Nathan Lyon smashed India's KL Rahul. Lyon questioned the batsman, "What did he do wrong to be demoted in the batting order?" as KL Rahul walked out to bat at number three.

Nathan Lyon and KL Rahul's viral video:

pic.twitter.com/MfFiZuEvRc

— hsns (@sharmahu45) December 27, 2024

KL Rahul appeared to be in good form after being assigned to bat at number three. He had only begun to develop his innings when he scored three boundaries. However, he had to walk back after hitting 24 runs off 42 deliveries after Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, produced an unplayable delivery that rattled his stumps. However, on Day 2, India's most impressive batter was Yashasvi Jaiswal. The numbers show how difficult it is for Rohit to defeat Cummins in Test cricket, and his troubles have become a recurrent storyline. In 13 innings, Rohit has faced 199 deliveries, scored just 127 runs, and been removed seven times by Cummins.

The southpaw Nathan Lyon faced 118 deliveries and scored 82 runs. Eleven boundaries and one maximum adorned his innings. He was unfortunate to be run out just as his partnership with Virat Kohli had surpassed the 102-run milestone. He misjudged the single and went straight to the non-striker's end. On the other end, Kohli appeared unable to comprehend Jaiswal's call, as the fielder had just shoved the ball into his hand.  

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