PUNE: KL Rahul has been struggling to make an impact but head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasised that the batter would be getting the full backing of the Indian team management.
“You don’t pick players because of social media or for that matter even what the experts are saying,” Gambhir said when asked about Rahul’s form. “What the team management thinks and what the leadership group thinks is very, very important.Ultimately, everyone is judged.”
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With Shubman Gill expected to make a return from injury and Sarfaraz Khan having scored a century in the first Test against the Kiwis in Bengaluru, Rahul’s spot looks increasingly insecure.
However, Gambhir said, “Rahul is batting really well. He has had a decent knock in Kanpur – 68 vs Bangladesh – on a difficult wicket. And obviously, he played according to the plans as well. He would also be knowing that he wants to score big runs and he has that capability of scoring runs.”
On India getting all out for 46 in the previous Test, Gambhir talked about the sport being a “great leveller”. He lauded Indian batsmen for the way they approached the second innings in Bengaluru. “A hundred more runs and there would have been a contest,” he said.
Gambhir also acknowledged the need to keep fast bowlers fresh and touched upon the workload management. But the focus is clearly on the New Zealand series.
“We are not even thinking of giving anyone game time (keeping Australia in mind). All we are concentrating on are these two Tests which are as important as any.
“I know there will be a lot of hype around the upcoming Australia series. But every Test is an honour to represent the country. And every Test is equally important,” Gambhir said.
