Gambhir provides update on India's playing XI ahead of the Pune Test

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed strong support for KL Rahul despite the batter’s recent struggles in Test cricket. At a press conference on the eve of the second Test against New Zealand, Gambhir firmly backed KL Rahul as India prepares for a must-win match to keep their series hopes alive.

“You don't pick players on social media because of social media or for that matter even what the experts are saying,” Gambhir said.

“What the team management thinks and what the leadership group thinks is very, very important. Ultimately, everyone is judged.”

Watch KL Rahul at his best in Cricket World Cup 2023

KL Rahul was one of five batters dismissed for a duck in the first innings, as India collapsed to 46 all out—their third-lowest total in an innings. In the second innings, Rahul was expected to build on India's lead and set a challenging target for New Zealand, but he was dismissed cheaply for just 12 runs.

"International cricket is all about being judged, to be honest, because everyone's performance will be judged eventually. But I feel that he [Rahul] is batting really well. Obviously, he has had a decent knock in Kanpur [against Bangladesh] obviously, on a difficult wicket.

Rahul's position in the team is under more scrutiny than ever, with Shubman Gill set to return after missing the first Test due to neck stiffness. Adding to the pressure, Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Gill, scored an impressive 150 in Bengaluru

Gambhir and his team face another selection dilemma, having to choose between left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar. The latter was initially not part of the squad but was added after India’s defeat in Bengaluru.

"We just felt that probably they [New Zealand] have four or five left-handers in the playing XI," Gambhir said of Washington's inclusion in the squad. "That if we want to have another bowler who can take the ball away from the left-handers, it is always going to be useful for us.

Sundar also gives an added batting edge to the Indian side apart fom boosting India’s spin department. In his most recent first-class game, Washington Sundar made 152 batting at No.3 for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy.

Kuldeep Yadav bowls a ripper at CWC23

Gambhir also talked about managing the workload of the fast bowlers and how it remains a priority as India’s next red-ball assignment is the crucial tour of Australia where India plays 5 tests. Given Jasprit Bumrah's history of injuries and his crucial role in the team, managing his workload is a priority, especially considering he has played all three of India's Tests so far this home season.

"Once the [New Zealand Test] series is over, we still have around 10 or 12 days before the Test starts in Australia," Gambhir said.

"So, that's enough break for our fast bowlers. But we will still monitor after the Test match where Jasprit Bumrah is. But it's not only about Jasprit Bumrah. It's about all the fast bowlers. We want to keep them fresh. We know that obviously, we've got a long tour and an important tour of Australia.

Relive every Jasprit Bumrah wicket from CWC23

Gambhir also confirmed Rishabh Pant's availability for the second Test. Pant injured his knee on the second day of the first Test and did not keep wickets for the remainder of New Zealand's two innings.

Although he batted in India's second innings, scoring 99, concerns over his fitness lingered as he showed signs of discomfort while running between the wickets.

“He's absolutely fine, he'll keep wickets tomorrow," said Gambhir.

The series now moves to Pune, where India faces a must-win game to avoid a series defeat. The match is set to begin on October 24th.