After getting released from the squad during two-Test series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz Khan made the opportunity count against New Zealand with a 150-run knock to help India avoid innings defeat. While Sarfaraz has been lauded by many for his spectacular knock under pressure, former India wicketkeeper-batter still believes that KL Rahul will get the backing of the team ahead of the 26-year-old.
“The question will be whether Sarfaraz Khan will get to play or they will go with KL Rahul. I will still play KL Rahul, the way the team has shown faith in him. I am thinking like that based on how the team’s thinking has been,” Patel said while speaking on Colors Cineplex.
Sarfaraz walked into the side after Shubman Gill missed the first Test due to a stiff neck. Rahul has opened the innings in the format and could have batted at no.3 but the team management kept him in the middle order as Virat Kohli went one spot up and Sarfaraz played in his place.
Patel compared Sarfaraz’s case to that of Akash Deep who is warming the benches as the team management is backing Mohammed Siraj as the second pacer despite diminishing returns at home. However, Patel feels that there will be pressure on Rahul to prove his mettle.
“If you wanted, you could have made Rahul bat at No. 3 in this Test match but you said that you didn’t want to change his position. Nothing to take from Sarfaraz’s knock, he made 150 runs for sure, but it’s the same situation as Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep. There will definitely be pressure on KL Rahul but I would still play him,” Patel said.
ALSO READ: Kagiso Rabada breaks Waqar Younis' record, becomes fastest to 300 Test wickets by balls taken
Rahul makes a mess of opportunity
Like many others in the first innings, Rahul departed for a duck in the first innings as India were bowled out for 46. In the second innings, he had a chance to redeem himself but lost his wicket after scoring 12 runs.
Rahul’s record at home
From 20 Tests, Rahul has played at home and managed to score just one century. He has scored 1,149 runs from 20 Tests on Indian soil with an average of 39.62. He has 10 half-centuries to his name as well.
