Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has defended KL Rahul and said that the team's playing XI is not decided on social media. So it doesn't matter what the social media experts think. What matters is what management thinks. He is batting well and played a good innings in Kanpur (on a difficult wicket against Bangladesh). The head coach also said that the management will support KL Rahul.
Gambhir was speaking to the media ahead of the second Test to be played in Pune from October 24. He was asked about the selection of KL Rahul. Rahul could score only 12 runs in 2 innings of Bengaluru Test. He was dismissed for a wicket in the first innings and the Indian team lost that match by 8 wickets. After this, KL Rahul was being criticized on social media.
Pictures of practice in Pune…
KL Rahul was seen practicing with the team on Tuesday, October 22.
KL Rahul having fun with the team during practice. He could score only 12 runs in the Bengaluru Test.
Indian batsman Virat Kohli also participated in the practice session with the team.
Pant is fine, will keep wicket tomorrow Asked about Pant's fitness, Gambhir said that he (Rishabh Pant) is absolutely fine, he will keep wicket tomorrow. During the Bengaluru Test, Pant was hit by a ball on his right knee, due to which he had to leave the field. Dhruva Jurel took wicketkeeping in Pant's place.
Highlights of Gambhir's statement…
- On the team combination, Gambhir said- It is always difficult to select the playing-11 for a Test match. It is good if there is competition in this.
- When asked about Gill, Gambhir said – He (Shubhman Gill) is in good form. We have not decided the playing-11 yet. Gill could not play the last match due to injury.
- Rahul played a good innings on a difficult Kanpur pitch. Our team management will support them. Rahul scored 68 runs in the first innings of the Kanpur Test.
- On Bengaluru's defeat, Gambhir said – the game of cricket is like this. If you have enjoyed days like Kanpur, you will have to endure what happened in Bengaluru too.
- On the selection of Washington Sundar, Gambhir said- There are many lefties in New Zealand. We needed someone who could keep the ball away from them. We haven't decided on Playing-11, but it's a good option.
Team India trailing 1-0 The Indian team is trailing 1-0 in the 3-Test series against New Zealand. In the first match played in Bengaluru from October 16, the team had to face a defeat by 8 wickets.
Rohit scored 54 runs in the first Test. He scored 2 runs in the first innings and 52 runs in the second innings.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).