Rohit Sharma breaks silence on Sarfaraz Khan vs KL Rahul debate after the latter fails vs NZ

As India lost to New Zealand in the first Test at Bengaluru, the preparations have already begun for the second Test at Pune. However, the biggest conundrum for the team management will be the debate between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan.

Since Shubman Gill is likely to be available for the second Test after recovering from a neck injury, the team management will have to choose one out of Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. India's captain Rohit Sharma spoke about how the team management will deal with this issue.

While KL Rahul has been India's preferred option in the middle order, Sarfaraz Khan has presented a strong claim for himself by slamming his maiden Test ton in the first match. Sarfaraz scored 150 off 195 balls and helped India make a comeback into the game.

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Rohit Sharma breaks silence on KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz Khan debate

While speaking at the post-match press conference, Rohit Sharma revealed that the team does not change its mindset based on just one series but they look at an overall record. He claimed that the players are mature enough to know where they stand in their respective careers and know the situation well.

"Look, I am not the person who talks to individuals, after every game. They know where they stand in their game, where they stand in their career. We don't change our mindset based on one game, one series," Rohit said.

"The messages are thrown at quite early, at the start, and they know exactly where they stand and what the situation is of the team. I don't think I am going to talk anything different from what I have been talking with them," he added.

Rohit Sharma praises Sarfaraz Khan

The Indian skipper made it clear that the player will have to make the most of his opportunity whenever he gets it. He lauded Sarfaraz Khan for making full use of his opportunities and score a magnificent hundred in Bengaluru.

"It's pretty simple, anybody who gets an opportunity, will have to try and make an impact on the game. That is a simple message that we keep talking about and it is always nice to have these type of players waiting to play the game," Rohit Sharma said.

"It was unfortunate that Shubman missed this game, Sarfaraz got the opportunity and he scored a big hundred. It's a good sign for the team," he noted.

Shubman Gill likely to be back for 2nd Test

Shubman Gill is likely to be back for the next Test at Pune and is likely to take back his batting spot at No. 3. It means that India will have to choose one between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 6 batting spot.

Meanwhile, it was a historic moment for New Zealand who won a Test match in India after a gap of 36 years. With two more Tests to go, India will be aiming to maintain their home record intact while New Zealand will be looking for a historic series win.