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Despite the recent setback in the Bengaluru Test, Team India is still hopeful of bouncing back in the upcoming IND vs NZ clash in Pune. The slow-turning pitch prepared by the BCCI plays into India’s strength, where spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are set to shine. However, all eyes are on the biggest puzzle—KL Rahul. With Sarfaraz Khan in form, does KL Rahul still fit in India Playing XI?
India Playing XI
Sarfaraz Khan grabbed his chance by scoring a remarkable 150 in the second innings after Shubman Gill missed the Bengaluru Test due to a stiff neck. But with Gill now declared fit for the Pune Test, Sarfaraz finds himself at a crossroads again. India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed Gill’s availability, adding pressure on the team to make some tough choices. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, seems intent on giving KL Rahul more opportunities despite his recent dip in form.
Is KL Rahul in or out?
This is the million-dollar question: does KL Rahul retain his spot in India’s Playing XI? His inconsistency has seen him in and out of the squad, but Gambhir is keen on extending his tenure. With Sarfaraz Khan delivering when it mattered most and KL Rahul scoring just 0 and 12 in the previous Test, the decision becomes more complicated. According to ten Doeschate, Gambhir and the management are leaning towards giving Rahul one more chance in the upcoming Test.
What about Sarfaraz Khan? If KL Rahul remains in the playing XI and Shubman Gill returns, it’s likely that Sarfaraz will be left out. He has made a compelling case for his place, but with more experienced players being prioritized, Sarfaraz might have to wait a bit longer to make his mark.
Stats Comparison (2024):
| Player | Inns | Runs | Avg | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 8 | 234 | 33.42 | 2/0 |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 7 | 350 | 58.33 | 3/1 |
| Shubman Gill | 15 | 662 | 50.92 | 3/2 |
| Dhruv Jurel | 4 | 190 | 63.33 | 1/0 |
Rishabh Pant vs Dhruv Jurel
In the Bengaluru Test, Dhruv Jurel took over wicket-keeping duties with Rishabh Pant nursing an injury. Pant batted well, smashing 99 off 105 balls, while Jurel handled the gloves in the second innings. With Pant returning to full fitness during practice sessions, it’s likely he will take back the wicket-keeper role in the Pune Test, leaving Jurel on the sidelines once again.
Predicted India Playing XI for the Pune Test:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- KL Rahul
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah
The Siraj Conundrum
Mohammed Siraj’s performance has raised concerns, especially with the Pune pitch favoring spinners. Siraj has struggled in recent Tests, managing just 19 wickets in 13 matches at home with an average of 36.15. His recent performance in Bengaluru wasn’t much better, and his economy rate of 4.66 allowed the Kiwi batters to dominate.
With the Australia tour approaching, it may be wise to rest Siraj and bring in Akash Deep, who has been in excellent form, taking eight wickets in five innings.
