The perceived "unfair treatment" of KL Rahul within the Indian cricket team has ignited a fresh wave of debate among fans and experts. This discussion, which resurfaces periodically, centers around Rahul's fluctuating batting positions, his exclusion from certain squads, and the overall handling of his career despite demonstrable talent and periods of strong performance.

One common argument is that Rahul, who debuted for India a decade ago, has been consistently shuffled in the batting order, preventing him from solidifying a permanent role. Critics point to instances where he has been asked to open, bat in the middle order, and even serve as a wicket-keeper, arguing that this instability has hindered his ability to reach his full potential. While versatility is often prized in cricket, some believe that Rahul's case represents a lack of clear vision regarding his role within the team's long-term strategy.

Adding fuel to this debate are comparisons to other players who, according to some observers, have enjoyed more consistent backing and opportunities despite similar or lesser outputs. This perceived disparity has led to accusations of favoritism and a lack of consistent selection criteria.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and commentator, has often presented a contrasting viewpoint. While acknowledging Rahul's talent, Manjrekar has, at times, downplayed the notion of unfair treatment, suggesting that such is the nature of competitive sport and team selection. He has also alluded to the idea that certain senior players might be "untouchable," implying that questioning their place in the team would be met with resistance.

Adding another layer to the discussion, Rahul's career hasn't been without controversy. His appearance on the show Koffee with Karan in 2019, alongside Hardik Pandya, resulted in a suspension from the team and significant public backlash due to comments made on the show. Rahul himself admitted the incident "scarred him massively". Some argue that this incident may have affected how he was perceived and treated by the management and selectors.

Furthermore, Rahul faced criticism during the IPL 2024 for his strike rate, despite scoring a significant number of runs. This sparked debate about whether his approach was always suited to the demands of the shorter format.

In November 2024, a contentious decision during a Test match against Australia, where Rahul was given out by the third umpire despite inconclusive evidence, further fueled the perception of injustice surrounding his career. Commentators and fans alike questioned the decision-making process and the lack of conclusive evidence.

Whether the treatment is unfair or not, the debate surrounding KL Rahul highlights the complexities of team selection, player management, and the pressures faced by cricketers in the modern era. It also underscores the subjective nature of assessing talent and the potential for differing opinions on how best to utilize a player's abilities.