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In just a couple of days, Team India will face a crucial battle against New Zealand in Pune. With the series on the line after a disappointing first Test in Bengaluru, the pressure is mounting on key players. One name, in particular, has come under scrutiny—KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz outstanding knock of 150 in the second innings, many are questioning Rahul’s place in the side. KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz.
KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz / Gambhir Stands Firm on Rahul
Despite calls for change, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has confirmed that KL Rahul is still in the team’s plans. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, ten Doeschate said, “Gambhir is keen to give KL a long rope, similar to how he has supported players like Sanju Samson in the past.” This suggests that Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, is reluctant to make any hasty decisions about Rahul’s spot in the playing XI.
While acknowledging the competition within the squad, ten Doeschate also recognized the dilemma. “There’s no point sugarcoating it—there’s a fight for a spot. Sarfaraz has made a strong case, but KL is in a good mental space, and Gambhir is determined to back him,” he added. Sarfaraz, who has consistently delivered when given a chance, has scored 350 runs at a staggering average of 58.33 with three half-centuries and a century to his name.
KL Rahul’s Struggles
The numbers, however, don’t paint a pretty picture for Rahul. In the last two years, he has scored just 434 runs in Tests at an average of 27.12, with a strike rate of under 56. This year alone, across formats, Rahul has managed 265 runs at a disappointing average of 29.44. His form has left fans and critics wondering if Sarfaraz should get the nod over him in the crucial Pune Test.
Rahul’s “Good Mental Space”
Despite these stats, ten Doeschate expressed confidence in Rahul’s mindset. “There’s no concern about KL. He’s batting well in the nets and is in a good mental space,” he said. But with Shubman Gill confirmed to be fit and available for the Pune Test, the team management faces the tough decision of who will occupy the middle-order spots.
Given Rahul’s inconsistent form and Sarfaraz Khan’s red-hot performance, the team will have to make a difficult call. However, it looks like Gambhir is willing to take the risk by persisting with KL Rahul. As ten Doeschate hinted, “We’ll have to fit seven pieces into six spots,” meaning someone will have to sit out. All signs point to Sarfaraz being the unlucky one, despite his impressive run.
KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz : The Numbers
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 8 | 434 | 27.12 | 2/0 |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 7 | 350 | 58.33 | 3/1 |
What’s Next for Sarfaraz?
With such a consistent track record, it’s hard to ignore Sarfaraz’s contributions. But as Gambhir seems intent on sticking with KL Rahul for now, Sarfaraz might have to wait a little longer for his next opportunity in the playing XI. The gamble could either pay off or raise even more questions if Rahul fails to deliver in the upcoming match.
Final Word
As Team India prepares for the high-stakes clash against New Zealand, all eyes will be on KL Rahul. Will he repay Gambhir’s faith, or will the decision to bench Sarfaraz come back to haunt the team? The second Test is set to be a thrilling contest, and the outcome could significantly shape India’s future team selections.
