Pune: The worst fears of KL Rahul came true after the star batter was dropped from the playing XI of the second Test between India and New Zealand at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Rahul was axed from the team as Shubman Gill returned to the team after recovering from a minor niggle, which forced him to sit out of the opening Test in Bengaluru.
Rahul paid the price for his inconsistent form in the past few matches including the home Test in Bengaluru. With Gill returning after missing the first Test, the team management had to choose between Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. The odds were highly in favour of Sarfaraz, who scored an eye-catching 150 in Bengaluru and as expected the Mumbai batter was chosen over the seasoned middle-order batter.
The Indian team management made a logical decision to choose an in-form batter over an out-of-sorts player.
While Sarfaraz is coming on the back of a magnificent knock of 150 scored under pressure when India were under the cosh, Rahul scored a duck and 12 in the Bengaluru Test.
Rahul has scored two half-centuries this year while his last century came in South Africa last year. Sarfaraz, on the other hand, has four fifties in four matches since making his debut and has grabbed every opportunity with both hands.
Strong message from Indian team management
By selecting Sarfaraz, the Indian team management has sent a clear message to KL Rahul, who possesses immense talent but lacks consistency.
Gautam Gambhir & Co have also shown a massive vote of confidence to Sarfaraz who has made a significant impact since making his debut against England earlier this year. After years of domestic grind, Sarfaraz finally got his international break and has not looked back since. The Mumbai batter has been one of the most prolific batters in domestic cricket over the years.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat in sunny and hot conditions in Pune. The visitors made one change to their playing eleven bringing in left-arm spinner Mitchell Santer in place of injured pacer Matt Henry. Meanwhile, India made three changes to the side replacing Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav making with Akash Deep, Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill.
