Shubman Gill's participation in doubt as Gautam Gambhir keeps India's playing 11 under wraps; clears Rishabh Pant

The Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about the readiness of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill for the crucial second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, starting on Thursday, October 24.

A day after Ryan Ten Doeschate, the assistant coach of the Indian cricket team, confirmed that Shubman Gill will be fine for the second India vs New Zealand Test, Gautam Gambhir dropped a major hit about drooping the young batting sensation for the Pune Test.

Gautam Gambhir reveals uncertainty over Shubman Gill’s fitness, Rishabh Pant confirmed for Pune Test

The Indian head coach has not given any clarity whether Shubman Gill is fit to play in the Pune Test. He said that India has not yet decided the playing XI for the very important clash, hinting at giving another opportunity to the struggling batter KL Rahul against New Zealand.

Recently, Ryan Ten Doeschate revealed that Gill experienced slight discomfort following his extensive innings in Bengaluru after the first Test, but the young batting sensation was expected to be fit for the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

Well, if Gill makes the cut to the playing XI in the Pune Test, then Team India will have to drop either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan, who smashed a stunning century in the Bengaluru Test. So, Sarfaraz will certainly retain his place in the playing XI, so Gill will have to make way for Rahul, as Gambhir confirmed to back him.

Gautam Gambhir hints at dropping Shubman Gill for KL Rahul

The Indian head coach said that social media doesn't decide playing XI and the Indian team management is looking to back Rahul, so it was a clear hint that the right-hander will play in the second Test against New Zealand and Gill will have to become the scapegoat.

Gautam Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference in Pune: “Shubman Gill was injured in the last game due to injury. He has been in great touch. We have not decided the playing XI. We will decide tomorrow, and whatever team we decide, they'll go out to win.”

Rishabh Pant fit to play in Pune Test; Washington Sundar in line to make return

Speaking about Rishabh Pant, Gautam Gambhir declared the Indian wicketkeeper-batter fit for the second Test between India and New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The left-handed batter was struck on his knee during the first Test, and the team had to sit him out on Days 3 and 5 in Bengaluru.

However, it was just precautionary major to avoid any issue. And now the Indian head coach has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will keep wickets in the Pune Test against New Zealand. Gambhir said at the presser: “He's absolutely fine; he'll keep wickets tomorrow.”

At the end, Gambhir has mentioned that New Zealand's lineup featured several left-handers, so the team is considering having a bowler who can move the ball away from them. He noted that the playing XI hasn't been finalized yet, but Washington Sundar is being considered as a strong option for this role in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.