India head coach Gautam Gambhir hinted at backing under-fire batter KL Rahul for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.
India lost the first Test of their three-match series against New Zealand last week in Bengaluru, their first defeat to the Kiwis on home turf in 36 years. Much of the result was down to the hosts' first innings with the bat, which saw them shot out for 46 on the morning of day two.
India's second innings with the bat was far better, and at 408-3 looked in a position to make a charge towards a scarcely believable win. But the set batters, Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant departed in quick succession before KL Rahul followed suit two overs later to leave them at 438-6. They were eventually bowled out for 462, setting New Zealand 107 to win which the visitors managed with relative ease.
With scores of 0 & 12 in the match, KL Rahul has come under fire from several sections of the Indian fanbase. Shubman Gill appears set to return from injury and take his place at No.3 for the next Test, meaning India will have to leave out a batter. Rahul could be the one to make way.
Read more: Predicted: India's XI for the second New Zealand Test
Gambhir: It is not important what social media or experts think
At the pre-match press conference, a day ahead of the second Test in Pune, India head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared to hint that Rahul might retain his place in the XI.
Per Revsportz, Gambhir said, "Social media doesn't decide playing XI. It is not important what social media or experts think, it is important what team management thinks. He had a decent knock in a tough Kanpur pitch. Yes, he would want to score big runs. And this team management is looking to back him."
While he had a poor outing in Bengaluru, Rahul did score 68 off 43 balls against Bangladesh in India's previous Test match in Kanpur, as part of a belligerent team effort with the bat.
Also read: India coach explains the thinking behind surprise Washington Sundar pick
He scored 16 & 22* against the same opposition in Chennai, and made 86 in the only Test he played against England earlier this year. Rahul also scored a century against South Africa in Centurion last December, a knock which drew high praise from Sunil Gavaskar.
But if he is to keep his spot, it would mean the one to be left out for Gill's return is likely to be Sarfaraz Khan, who was India's stand-out batter in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz also averages nearly 70 in all first-class cricket, and has three half-centuries and one century from seven innings in Test cricket.
Whichever way they are leaning, the fact remains that India have an extremely difficult choice on their hands.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
