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KL Rahul's performance in the first Test against New Zealand has ignited a debate about his position in the Indian Test squad. Despite the pressure surrounding his performance, head coach Gautam Gambhir has voiced unwavering support for the struggling batsman. Rahul has faced intense scrutiny following India's loss to New Zealand in the first Test at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a defeat that marked New Zealand's first win against India in Test cricket since 1988. This loss has raised questions about Rahul's place in the team, especially given Sarfaraz Khan's impressive 150 runs in the second innings.
Shubman Gill's return from neck stiffness adds to the competition, creating a competitive scenario for KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan as they fight for the remaining batting spot. While India's playing XI remains undetermined, Gambhir's comments indicate that the team management remains committed to backing Rahul despite the widespread criticism directed at his performance. He emphasizes that selection decisions are based on the team management's evaluation and not solely on social media buzz or expert opinions. Gambhir highlights Rahul's recent performance in Kanpur, where he delivered a solid knock on a difficult wicket, as evidence of his capability. He expresses confidence in Rahul's ability to score big runs and underlines the team management's faith in his potential.
Adding a new dimension to the selection puzzle, a decision needs to be made between Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar for a spot in the playing XI. The inclusion of Sundar, a potential addition to the squad, aims to counter the left-handed batters in the New Zealand lineup. Gambhir highlights the presence of four or five left-handed batsmen in the Kiwi team, justifying the strategic inclusion of Sundar as a potential weapon against their strength. He believes that Sundar's ability to control the middle order can prove valuable for India. However, the final decision on the playing XI remains pending.