As India lost to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru, preparations have already begun for the second Test in Pune. However, the biggest challenge for the team management will be the debate between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan.
As Shubman Gill will be available for the second Test after recovering from a neck injury, the team management will have to choose between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. India’s captain Rohit Sharma spoke about how the team management will deal with this issue.
While KL Rahul is India’s preferred option in the middle order, Sarfaraz Khan made a strong case for himself by scoring his maiden Test ton in the first match. Sarfaraz scored 150 off 195 balls and helped India get back into the game.
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Rohit Sharma breaks silence on KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz Khan debate
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma revealed that the team has not changed their mindset based on just one series but they are looking at the overall record. He argued that the players are mature enough to know where they stand in their careers and know the situation well.
Rohit said, “Look, I am not a person who talks to individual people after every game. They know where they are in their game, where they are in their career. We don’t change our mindset for one game, one series.” he said.
“The messages are sent out pretty early, at the beginning, and they know exactly where they are and what the situation of the team is. I don’t think I’m going to talk to them any differently,” he added.
Rohit Sharma praises Sarfaraz Khan
The Indian skipper made it clear that the player will have to make the most of the opportunity he gets. He praised Sarfaraz Khan for making the most of his opportunities and scoring a magnificent hundred in Bengaluru.
“It’s quite simple, everyone who gets the opportunity will have to try to make an impact on the game. That’s the simple message we’re talking about and it’s always nice to see these types of players waiting to play the game,” said Rohit Sharma.
“Unfortunately, Shubman missed this game, Sarfaraz got an opportunity and he scored a big hundred. This is a good indicator for the team,” he said.
Shubman Gill is likely to return for the 2nd Test
Shubman Gill is likely to return for the next Test in Pune and is likely to reclaim his No.3 batting spot. This means India will have to choose between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan for the No.6 batting slot.
Meanwhile, it was a historic moment for New Zealand as they won a test match in India after a gap of 36 years. With two more Tests to go, India will look to retain their home record, while New Zealand will look for a historic series win.
