In the upcoming second Test against New Zealand, India is considering replacing KL Rahul with a recovered Shubman Gill in order to include Sarfaraz Khan in the playing eleven.
Sarfaraz Khan, the player who stood in for Shubman Gill during the first Test in Bengaluru, was absent from Tuesday’s practice at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. This was because he opted to remain in Mumbai with his newborn. However, he is expected to rejoin the team for the upcoming Wednesday morning practice session. The situation has sparked discussions on who should vacate their spot for the returning Shubman Gill in India’s playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand.
Sarfaraz firmly seized the chance presented to him by turning his first Test century into a remarkable 150 in the second innings of the initial Test, spearheading India’s resurgence. It is probable that he will retain his place in the starting lineup even after Gill’s return, potentially resulting in KL Rahul being sidelined despite minimal shortcomings. Although he was the lone Indian batsman who failed to score in both innings, KL Rahul has nonetheless delivered valuable performances in Test matches throughout the year.
Amidst the spotlight on Rahul, he engaged in an extensive batting practice session on Tuesday. Anticipating the challenge posed by the towering New Zealand pacers, he specifically requested Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach standing at 6 feet 4 inches and above, to deliver balls to him.
Minimizing the situation is pointless. A competition for a position exists between KL and Sarfaraz,” remarked ten Doeschate, simultaneously addressing worries about Rahul’s performance.
After the recent Test match, Sarfaraz’s performance stood out remarkably. Reflecting on his gameplay, I sought insights from KL. It was notable that he did not miss a single ball, a common occurrence when struggling for runs. Despite being dismissed twice in the match, one caught down the leg side and the other nicked, KL’s form remains solid. As we plan for the upcoming Test, the challenge lies in accommodating seven slots into six, a decision that hinges on the pitch conditions and the team’s best interests.
