'I went to KL after the last game and asked...': India's assistant coach opens up on whether Rahul will play in Pune Test

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: KL Rahul has not had a good record at home. His last Test century at home in Tests came in 2016 in Chennai.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 22 Oct 2024

Ryan ten Doeschate during pre-match press conference, KL Rahul during Bengaluru Test

Highlights:

KL Rahul has not scored a Test century at home in 8 years.

Rahul has been facing criticism after scoring 12 runs in first Test against New Zealand.

Under-fire KL Rahul registered scores of 0 and 12 in the Bengaluru Test. After a lacklustre performance in series opener against New Zealand, there have been calls to replace Rahul with Sarfaraz Khan when Shubman Gill returns to the playing XI. Ahead of the second Test, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that there is competition for a spot in the middle order. he also revealed his conversation with Rahul after the eight-wicket defeat.

“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,” Doeschate said in the press conference in Pune on October 22.

Many have feared that Sarfaraz may suffer Karun Nair’s fate and be dropped from the playing XI despite a splendid knock of 150 in the second innings to rescue India sharing crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

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Gill to play in second Test?

Doeschate opened up on Gill’s availability for the second Test after he missed the first Test due to a stiff neck. Gill batted in the nets on Day 4 and Day 5.

“He's had a slight discomfort. Of course he batted for a long time in Bengaluru. But he'll be fine for this Test,” the former Netherlands captain said.

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Why Sundar got a chance?

Meanwhile, India made an addition to the squad by recalling Washington Sundar who scored 152 against Delhi in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash.

“We have Axar in the squad. We wanted to have someone who can take the ball away from the lefties. We want that option. It's good to see guys getting rewarded for Ranji trophy,” said the 44-year-old.

Is Pant fit?

Doeschate gave an update on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as well who suffered a knee injury and did not keep wickets. There is still a question mark on his availability.

“He's looking good. Hopefully he'll keep wickets in this Test. He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end of his knock,” he said.