KL Rahul is in good space but we’ll have to fit in seven there, there’s competition- Ryan ten Doeschate (Source – BCCI)
Star batter KL Rahul made only 12 runs in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru and ever since, his place in the playing XI is put under the scanner. With Shubman Gill set for a comeback and Sarfaraz Khan in incredible form, there’s pressure on Rahul ahead of India’s second Test against the Kiwis in Pune. He did well in the series against South Africa, England, and Bangladesh but the poor outing in Bengaluru may cost him a place in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, stated that there has been stiff competition in the team and it was unclear whether Rahul’s position was secured. He mentioned that multiple cricketers are fighting for the spot and Rahul was one of them. However, the former Netherlands cricketer clarified that he had a chat with the star India batter earlier and the player was in good head space despite all the chatter regarding his spot.
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“There’s a fight for the spot. Sarfaraz was brilliant. I went to KL after the last game and asked how many balls you missed and there were none. He’s in good space but we’ll have to fit in seven there. So yes there’s competition,” ten Doeschate said in the press conference as quoted by RevSportz.
Shubman Gill will be fine for the Pune Test: ten Doeschate
Shubman Gill, who missed the Bengaluru Test due to a stiff neck, is set to make his return to the playing XI. He was fantastic in the series against England and Bangladesh and will be a key asset for India against New Zealand, especially as the hosts are trailing 0-1 in the series. Sharing an update on Gill, ten Doeschate stated that the youngster batted long in practice and is fit for the second game.
“He’s had a slight discomfort. Of course, he batted for a long in Bengaluru. But he’ll be fine for this Test,” he mentioned.