Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that it is a bit unfair to single out KL Rahul for scathing criticism as every player goes through lean phases.

In his last 10 Test innings, Rahul has averaged a dismal 12.5 with not a single score of above 25. The calls to replace Rahul with Shubman Gill in the playing XI have been growing with every match.

“KL Rahul should not be dropped from the Indian side. One should not single out any player. Everyone goes through a lean patch. No one, no cricket pundit or anyone should tell him that he is not doing well and should be dropped,” Gambhir said during an interaction on the sidelines of an IPL pre-season camp organised by Lucknow Super Giants.

Gambhir is the mentor of the Lucknow franchise while Rahul is its captain.

Gambhir cited the example of Rohit Sharma, who was backed by the team management when he was going through a similar phase.

“You have to back players who have talent. Look at Rohit Sharma... He also had a lean patch. Look at the way he started his career. He had a late flourish.

“Everyone could see his talent and backed him. Now see the result. Rahul can do the same,” Gambhir said.