India vs New Zealand: Gautam Gambhir comes in support of KL Rahul

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly supported KL Rahul, urging fans and critics to remain patient as the out-of-form batter seeks to regain his best performance. Rahul has faced significant scrutiny following India's defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of their three-match series, where his struggles at the crease were evident. In that match, Rahul’s performance was particularly disappointing. He was dismissed without scoring in the first innings, marking a low point in what has been a challenging period for him. He managed only 12 runs in the second innings, contributing to India’s overall struggles in the match. Ultimately, New Zealand capitalized on India’s batting woes, securing a convincing victory by eight wickets.

Gambhir emphasized the importance of allowing players like Rahul the time and support needed to work through tough phases in their careers. He believes that every player goes through ups and downs, and with the right mindset and training, Rahul can rediscover his form. Given Rahul's previous achievements and capabilities, Gambhir remains optimistic about the batter's potential to bounce back and contribute significantly to the team's success in the ongoing series.

"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,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference.

Gautam Gambhir also took the opportunity to commend KL Rahul for his impressive performance in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh, where Rahul scored 68 runs off just 43 deliveries. This explosive innings highlighted Rahul's potential and showcased his ability to play aggressively, a trait Gambhir is eager to see more of in the future. Gambhir expressed his desire for Rahul to replicate such performances in the upcoming matches, emphasizing that this kind of aggressive batting is crucial for the team’s success. He believes that if Rahul can channel his talent and confidence, he can make significant contributions, especially in high-pressure situations.

The head coach noted that Rahul's knock against Bangladesh demonstrated not only his skill but also his capacity to shift the momentum of a game. Gambhir's praise serves as a reminder of the potential that Rahul possesses, encouraging him to find consistency and build on that standout performance. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Rahul to see if he can deliver more innings like that, helping to elevate both his own form and the overall performance of the Indian team.