As Team India grapples with their recent defeat to New Zealand in the first Test, all eyes will be on the second match in Pune, which might determine the fate of the series. One of the biggest decisions for the team management will be choosing between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan, with Shubman Gill likely to return from injury.
While KL Rahul has been a regular fixture in the Indian middle order, Sarfaraz Khan's impressive performance, including a maiden Test century in the first Test, has significantly strengthened his claim for a spot in the team. Sarfaraz's 150-run knock played a vital role in India's comeback in the match. However, despite Sarfaraz's batting bravado India lost the first Test by eight wickets. On the other hand, KL Rahul had a dismal outing with the bat in the series opener. He scored a duck and 12 runs in India's first and second essay respectively.
Captain Rohit Sharma has acknowledged the team management's dilemma and hinted at a tough decision ahead.
KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz Khan debate finally gets addressed
With Sarfaraz Khan vs KL Rahul debate in the backdrop, Rohit Sharma clarified that the team's approach is not solely based on the outcome of a single series. Instead, they consider the overall performance and potential of each player. He emphasised that the players are mature enough to understand their position in their careers and are well-aware of the current situation.
"Look, I am not the person who talks to individuals, after every game. They know where they stand in their game, where they stand in their career. We don't change our mindset based on one game, one series," Rohit said at the post-match press conference.
"The messages are thrown at quite early, at the start, and they know exactly where they stand and what the situation is of the team. I don't think I am going to talk anything different from what I have been talking with them," he added.
Rohit further said that players must seize every opportunity that comes their way. He praised Sarfaraz Khan for his exceptional performance in Bengaluru, where he capitalized on his chance to score a brilliant century.
"It's pretty simple, anybody who gets an opportunity, will have to try and make an impact on the game. That is a simple message that we keep talking about and it is always nice to have these type of players waiting to play the game," India skipper further stated.
"It was unfortunate that Shubman missed this game, Sarfaraz got the opportunity and he scored a big hundred. It's a good sign for the team," he added.
It will be interesting to see whether Rahul can retain his position in India's playing XI in the upcoming two Tests. Notably, Rahul's emotional 'pitch touching' gesture after India's defeat left the fans guessing about his Test future.
