Gautam Gambhir hits the final nail in the coffin for KL Rahul's future in team India

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir opened up about the Men in Blue's playing XI for the upcoming second Test match against New Zealand in Pune. Gautam Gambhir hinted at KL Rahul's selection in the playing XI for the upcoming Test despite a disappointing outing with the bat in the last match.

The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, starting on October 24, Thursday. Rohit Sharma's side is currently trailing 0-1 in the ongoing Test series after suffering a right-wicket loss in the first match in Bengaluru.

It Is Always Good To Have Competition - Gautam Gambhir

Speaking at the press conference, Gautam Gambhir highlighted the challenges of selecting a playing XI for a Test match, describing it as a difficult decision. He noted the positive aspect of having competition among players.

"In any Test match, picking up a playing XI is always tough. It is always good to have competition," Gambhir told reporters.

The Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a surprising first wicket defeat during the series opener in Bengaluru. KL Rahul struggled with the bat in the opening match. He managed to score only 0 and 12 in his two innings. The right-handed batter was dismissed by young fast bowler William O'Rourke both times.

KL Rahul Had A Decent Knock In Kanpur - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also reacted to criticism regarding KL Rahul's selection, adding that social media opinions do not impact the team management. He acknowledged that Rahul performed reasonably well on a challenging pitch in Kanpur, and the management is looking to back him.

"Social media does not matter one bit. What the team management and leadership group thinks is very important. He is batting really well, had a decent knock in Kanpur (against Bangladesh on a difficult wicket," Gambhir said.

"I am sure he would be knowing that he has to score big runs and he has capability of scoring runs. That's why he has been backed by the team...Ultimately, everyone is judged. International cricket is all about being judged," he added.

Shubman Gill Could Return To Team For Second Test In Pune

Rahul scored 68 runs off 43 balls in a rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. He also received support from assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. After Team India's disappointing defeat on Day 5, Rahul was seen practicing in the nets at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Shubman Gill could return to the team, which forces the team management to change the batting lineup. With the four spots and the wicketkeeper likely secured, one of Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul will be dropped. Reports suggest that the pitch for the second Test match in Pune will favor spin bowling.

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