KL Rahul, the Indian wicket-keeper batter, is a name that often sparks intense debate among cricket fans and analysts alike. Despite his undeniable talent and consistent performances across formats, Rahul frequently finds himself under scrutiny, with his batting approach and scoring rates often becoming points of contention. This has led to a situation where "Dial KL Rahul for support" is fast becoming a thing, both on and off the field.

Rahul's career has been marked by versatility and adaptability. He made his international debut in 2014 and has since become an integral part of the Indian team across formats, demonstrating his ability to bat at any position and keep wickets. He has 11 Test centuries, 8 ODI centuries, and 2 T20I centuries. In ODIs, he averages around 50, and in Tests, his average is around 36.

However, despite these numbers, Rahul's performances are often viewed through a critical lens. He has been criticised for his strike rate, particularly in T20s, with some questioning his ability to accelerate when needed. This scrutiny intensified after the 2022 T20 World Cup, leading to his exclusion from India's T20I plans as the team opted for a more fearless approach. Even after a decent ODI World Cup in 2023, where he scored 452 runs, his slow innings in the final against Australia drew flak.

Despite the criticism, Rahul remains a vital cog in the Indian team. He is often the go-to man in a crisis, capable of steadying the ship and building crucial partnerships. His ability to perform under pressure and his willingness to take on responsibility make him a valuable asset, even if his contributions sometimes go unnoticed. He also takes up captaincy and leadership duties whenever the team requires, executing the role diligently.

Off the field, Rahul has had to contend with his fair share of social media abuse. He admitted to being affected by the constant trolling, especially a couple of years ago when he felt he was being criticised regardless of his actions. In response, he has consciously distanced himself from social media, choosing to focus on his game and remain calm amidst the storm.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahul has been a consistent performer, captaining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and later playing for Delhi Capitals. He has scored over 5000 runs in his IPL career.

Ultimately, KL Rahul's career is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the constant criticism and scrutiny, he continues to perform at the highest level, contributing to the Indian team's success across formats. While the debates about his batting approach may continue, one thing remains clear: when the team needs someone to lean on, "Dial KL Rahul" is becoming an increasingly common strategy.