Lokesh Rahul was brought back into the playing XI for the series decider in Sydney after he was dropped for the Melbourne Test due to his indigent performances in the first two matches (Adelaide & Perth). In 6 deliveries that he faced, he scored two quick boundaries but an outside edge got the better off him, sending him back to the pavilion within minutes. 

Here's the commentary of Rahul's dismissal from our Live Blog -  OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ball number 9. Wicket number 1. Australia have struck early. Once again, an Indian opening stand has been dislodged cheaply. Rahul's tentativeness outside the off stump continues. He is not sure which balls to play and which ones to leave. His two boundaries came off edges and this one again, he is unsure. The ball lands on a good length outside off and then moves away slightly. Takes the outside edge and is stored into the bucket-like hands of Shaun Marsh at first slip.

Oh what a start for the Aussies! The seam position on this from Josh Hazlewood 👌👌#AUSvIND | @toyota_aus pic.twitter.com/0j237UD9i9

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 2, 2019

Rahul's performances in Australia so far - 

* Adelaide Test - 2, 44

* Perth Test - 2, 0

* Melbourne Test - Dropped

* Sydney Test - 9

This was the sixth opening pairing for India in 12 overseas Tests since January 2018, and the resultant opening partnership only averages 21.56 in 23 overseas innings.

Rahul's nightmare in Test cricket continues. Poor shot selection and impatient batting has left him walking on thin ice. 

While Mayank Agarwal delivers with a determination on his face, Rahul once again fails to make any sort of impact and with Prithvi Shaw currently out due to injury, how many chances does the 'talented' Rahul have? Zimbabwe tour India after 15 years, where only a one-off Test will be played before India buckle up for the 2019 World Cup. 

While players like Mayank and Prithvi grab their chances with open hands, Rahul has been wasting his opportunities. The former once again notched up his second fifty on Day 1 before being removed for 77. 

Despite opportunities galore for Rahul, redemption is currently not on the cards for KL Rahul. 

After his dismissal, here were the reactions. 

India won the Toss, elected to bat first. As usual KL Rahul at his best. Gone after scoring 9 off 6 balls. Why was he brought back into the team? #INDvAUS #AUSvIND

— Sir Jadeja (@SirJadeja) January 2, 2019

My Maggi isn't even done yet. water still boiling :(

— Debmalya Sinha (@_deb_null) January 2, 2019

What a terrible.. horrible decision by Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri to play with KL Rahul again :( He lives up to the expectations again!!! So sad to see such poor captaincy on an occasion to make a history.

— Devraj Gaur (@devrajgaur7) January 3, 2019

Rahul got 9 runs today and all were come from the edges... He didn't play a single certain shot... #shame on selection when we have already a bunch of talent #AUSvIND #INDvAUS

— Pichhatis😂PM (@ImRushi45) January 2, 2019

With KL Rahul in the playing eleven, even Tim Paine will be itching to ball. Surprising Aussie bowlers are not fighting amongst themselves to get his wicket

— Ajit Sawant (@HateAjit) January 3, 2019