Massive update arrives on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan's first Test 100 in Bengaluru

Former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary said KL Rahul is under a lot of pressure after Sarfaraz Khan's impressive batting performances during the first Test.

However, Manoj Tiwary said that KL Rahul will be the team management's first choice over Sarfaraz Khan when Shubman Gill returns to the playing XI.

Sarfaraz and Rahul were dismissed for ducks in India's first innings against New Zealand in the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The hosts were bowled out for just 46 runs, the lowest total by India at home. In response, New Zealand posted a total of 402 runs in their first innings.

KL Rahul Will Be The One Under Most Pressure - Manoj Tiwary

In a discussion on Cricbuzz, Manoj Tiwary was asked whether Sarfaraz Khan will retain his spot in the playing XI when Shubman Gill returns from injury. Tiwary said that Gill, who scored a century against Bangladesh in the previous series, is an automatic choice once he's available for selection.

"You cannot remove Shubman Gill as of now because he scored a hundred in the previous series and he also has a very good record. When he recovers from his stiff neck, he will become an automatic choice. KL Rahul will be the one under most pressure," Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.

KL Rahul Will Still Get Preference Even If He Doesn't Score Runs - Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary admitted that the team management will likely pick KL Rahul over Sarfaraz Khan when Shubman Gill returns from injury. However, he said that Rahul needs to be more consistent in his performances. Tiwary added that Rahul will retain his position in the squad for the Australia tour.

"Even if Rahul doesn't score runs in the next two Tests, he will still get preference for the initial Tests in Australia. But, if he doesn't perform there as well, then Sarfaraz could come into the playing XI. I feel Sarfaraz should also get a fair opportunity. It is good that the players who are in the reserves are performing. There will definitely be pressure on some players in the playing XI," he added.

Sarfaraz Khan Scores His Maiden Test Century On Day 4

Sarfaraz Khan played a crucial knock in India's second innings. The young batter added a 136-run stand with Virat Kohli for the third wicket. He scored an unbeaten 70 runs as India ended Day 3 at 231-3. Sarfaraz successfully converted his fifty into a century on the fourth day on Saturday, October 19.

The 26-year-old cricketer added an unbeaten 113 runs off 132 balls with Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket. However, the rain interrupted the match before the lunch break. India is at 344/3 with Sarfaraz (125 off 154) and Rishabh (53 off 56) at the crease. The hosts still trail by 12 runs during the match.

Also read: Watch- Sarfaraz Khan's rain dance as he gets involved in a horrible mixup with Rishabh Pant