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With Shubman Gill facing a neck strain ahead of the IND vs NZ 1st Test in Bengaluru, the Indian cricket team is on the lookout for a solid replacement. Gill’s potential absence means an opportunity for other talented players, making this a pivotal moment for the squad. Who will take up the mantle and help India secure a win against New Zealand?
The Frontrunner: Sarfaraz Khan
One of the top contenders to fill Gill’s shoes is Sarfaraz Khan. After missing out on the IND vs BAN series, he’s eager to showcase his skills on the international stage. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz made his much-anticipated debut during the IND vs ENG series. If Gill is sidelined, we could see Virat Kohli shifting to the number three position, allowing Sarfaraz to slide in comfortably at four or five. The Mumbai batter’s return could provide the firepower India needs.
Another Option: Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel is another exciting candidate. With Rishabh Pant back as the first-choice keeper, Jurel has also been watching from the sidelines. However, in the absence of Gill, he could step in as a pure batter, enhancing India’s batting depth. Jurel made his debut during the England series but lost his spot following Pant’s comeback. This could be his chance to shine and prove his worth to the team.
The All-Rounder: Axar Patel
Lastly, there’s Axar Patel, who brings a dual-threat with both bat and ball. Should he be selected, Axar will join forces with stalwarts Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, creating a formidable all-rounder setup for India. His versatility could be crucial, especially on pitches that assist spin.
With the team likely to field three pace bowlers in Bengaluru, the addition of any of these three players—Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, or Axar Patel—seems highly probable. The excitement builds as we await the final decision on who will step up in Gill’s absence!
India Squad for IND vs NZ Tests
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
