Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke about the Men in Blue’s playing XI for the upcoming second Test match against New Zealand in Pune. Gautam Gambhir hinted at KL Rahul’s selection in the playing XI for the upcoming Test despite a disappointing outing with the bat in the last match.

The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from Thursday, October 24. Rohit Sharma’s team is currently trailing 0-1 in the ongoing Test series after suffering a defeat on the right field in the first match in Bengaluru.

It’s always good to have competition – Gautam Gambhir

Speaking at the press conference, Gautam Gambhir highlighted the challenges of selecting an XI for a Test match and described it as a difficult decision. He pointed out the positive aspect of having competition between players.

“In any Test match, picking an XI is always difficult. It is always good to have competition,” Gambhir told reporters.

The Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a shocking first defeat on the ground during the series opener in Bengaluru. KL Rahul struggled with the bat in the opening match. He managed to score only 0 and 12 in his two innings. The right-handed batsman was dismissed on both occasions by young fast bowler William O’Rourke.

KL Rahul had a decent knock in Kanpur – Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also reacted to the criticism over KL Rahul’s selection and added that opinions on social media do not affect team management. He acknowledged that Rahul performed reasonably well on a challenging pitch in Kanpur and the management is looking to back him.

“Social media doesn’t matter in the slightest. What the team management and the leadership group think is very important. He is batting very well, he had a decent knock in Kanpur (against Bangladesh on a difficult wicket),” Gambhir said.

“I’m sure he will know that he has to score big runs and that he has the ability to score runs. That’s why he has been backed by the team… In the end, everyone is judged. International cricket is about being judged.” he added.

Shubman Gill could return to the team for the second Test in Pune

Rahul scored 68 runs off 43 balls in a rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. He also received support from assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. After Team India’s disappointing defeat on Day 5, Rahul was seen practicing in the nets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Shubman Gill might return to the team, forcing the team management to change the batting line-up. With the four spots and the wicketkeeper likely secured, one of Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul will be removed. Reports suggest that the pitch for the second Test match in Pune will favor spin bowling.

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