Amid ongoing discussions about who should be dropped to accommodate the returning Shubman Gill in India’s lineup for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, Sarfaraz Khan, who filled in for Gill during the first Test, skipped Tuesday’s practice session at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium to spend time with his newborn in Mumbai. Sarfaraz capitalized on his opportunity, scoring 150 in the second innings of his maiden Test, which played a pivotal role in India’s comeback, making him likely to retain his place in the XI even after Gill’s return.
The potential exclusion of KL Rahul seems imminent, as he was the only Indian batter who failed to score in both innings of the first Test, despite contributing effectively in previous matches this year. As he faces scrutiny over his position, Rahul engaged in an extensive batting session on Tuesday, preparing for the challenge posed by New Zealand’s tall pace attack. To enhance his readiness, he requested bowling coach Morne Morkel, who stands over 6 feet 4 inches tall, to bowl at him.
“Yeah, there’s no point in sugarcoating it. There’s a fight for a spot (between KL and Sarfaraz),” stated ten Doeschate, while allaying concerns over Rahul’s form.
“Sarfaraz was obviously brilliant in the last Test. I went to KL after the last Test and said: ‘how many balls did you play and miss at?’ He didn’t play and miss at one ball and that’s what tends to happen when you’re not getting runs. He got the two balls in the game; one caught down the leg side and one that he managed to nick. So, there’s certainly no concerns about KL. He’s batting nicely, he’s in a good mental space, but yeah, we’re certainly going to have to fit seven pieces into six spots for this Test and look at the pitch now and decide what’s going to be best for the team.”
Gill and Pant fit to play:
Ten Doeschate has confirmed that both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are likely to be included in India’s XI for the second Test.
“He’s (Gill) batted last week in Bangalore, he had a few nets,” stated ten Doeschate. “He’s got a little bit of discomfort, but I’ll think he will be good to go for the Test,” he attached.
Both Gill and Pant had a long net session with Pant playing in his usual belligerent fashion. “Rishabh’s pretty good. I think Rohit (Sharma) touched on it the other day. He was having a little bit of discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed he’ll be good to keep in this Test as well,” statd ten Doeschate.
Pant sustained a knee injury on the second day of the first Test while attempting to stump Devon Conway during the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings, forcing him to leave the field immediately. Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the wicketkeeper for the remainder of the first innings and for 27.4 overs during New Zealand’s second innings. With both players now fit, their return is expected to strengthen the team ahead of the upcoming match.
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