Watch: Shubman Gill practices on centre wicket after India lose Bengaluru Test by 8 wickets but who will he replace in playing XI for 2nd Test?

India’s top order batter in red-ball cricket, Shubman Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru due to a stiff neck. In Gill’s absence, Sarfaraz Khan got a chance and proved his mettle with a 150 in the third innings of the Test. After India faced an eight-wicket defeat, Gill was seen practicing on the centre wicket indicating that he is fit or close to regaining match fitness. Ahead of the second Test, India will face a conundrum on who sits out if Gill returns to the playing XI. 

Dropping Sarfaraz will not be advisable after his splendid knock in Bengaluru under immense pressure. His maiden Test century helped India get rid of New Zealand’s first innings lead and set a target of 107 runs. Sarfaraz is likely to retain his place in the playing XI. 

On the other hand, middle-order batter KL Rahul struggled in the Bengaluru Test. After a duck in the first innings, he failed in the second innings as well getting dismissed for 12 runs. Had Rahul contributed to the score in the second innings, India would have been in a better position with a bigger target to defend. He may make way for Gill in the side. 

ALSO READ: 'Atmasamarpan or Aakraman, there is nothing in between': Suryakumar Yadav reveals the pep talk he gave Sarfaraz Khan when he wasn't getting chances

How Gill, Sarfaraz and Rahul can be in playing XI for second Test

However, there is a possibility where all three -- Gill, Sarfaraz and Rahul – can feature in the playing XI at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune starting October 24. During the series opener, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was hit on the knee on Day 2 and did not keep the wickets. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel fulfilled the wicketkeeping duties. However, Pant returned to bat and scored 99. Towards the end of his knock, he was seen limping.