KL Rahul to play ahead of Sarfaraz Khan in the second Test against New Zealand?

The fact that there is tussle going on within the India squad for a spot in the batting order for the second Test against New Zealand. Sarfaraz Khan finally earned his deserved India call-up earlier this year for the England Tour of India as KL Rahul sat out due to an injury. While the Mumbai-based batter played exceptionally well, he lost his place in the Playing 11 when Rahul returned for the India vs Bangladesh series. However, an opportunity shaped up for Khan to mark his steps back in the team for the first India vs New Zealand Test as Shubman Gill missed out due to neck stiffness. Khan exploited the opportunity for the best as he turned up with a century in the otherwise disappointing match for India.

KL Rahul ahead of Sarfaraz Khan for the second India vs New Zealand Test?

With Shubman Gill confirmed to be fit to play in the second Test against New Zealand, there has appeared a tussle for the remaining one spot in the batting order. In a match that fared utterly disappointing for India, KL Rahul failed to show up with the bat. However, Sarfaraz utilised his sole chance to shine and vie for a longer rope in the Playing 11 as he smashed an impressive century at Chinnaswamy. Now, the management has landed in a puddle over who gets to play the second match against the Kiwis in Pune. However, India’s batting coach, Ryan ten Doeschate has come up with clear indications over the topic.

Earlier, it was reported that India’s head-coach Gautam Gambhir is keen on backing KL Rahul further in the team despite the setback in the first Test. Subsequently, Ryan ten Doeschate, on Tuesday nearly confirmed that Rahul will play ahead of Sarfaraz as Shubman Gill returns to the mix. Not mincing his words, the batting coach agreed to the fight prevailing for the sole remaining spot in the Indian batting order. However, KL Rahul is leading the race for selection.

“Yeah, there's no point in sugarcoating it, there's a fight for a spot," ten Doeschate told the media,” Ryan said on Tuesday. "Sarfaraz was obviously brilliant in the last Test. However, there's certainly no concern about KL, he's batting nicely, he's in a good mental space. But we are 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," he added.

“It's a very competitive environment, with Sarfaraz getting 150 plus runs (222 not out) in the Irani Trophy final. The decision will be what's best for the team, but we'll certainly back all the guys in," the coach rounded off.