Pune Test Dilemma: Will KL Rahul Stay, Sarfaraz Khan Face the Axe Despite Stunning Form?
As India gears up for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, the spotlight is on KL Rahul, who has the backing of head coach Gautam Gambhir, ensuring his place in the playing XI. With Shubman Gill fit to return, Sarfaraz Khan's spot is under serious threat, despite his recent century. Assistant coach Ten Descate has shed light on the team's decisions and potential changes, hinting that Washington Sundar could also feature, while Rishabh Pant's fitness may affect the team's wicketkeeping choices. The big question remains: Who will make way for Rahul and Gill?
Arpit Shakya 
INDC Network : Cricket : India's upcoming Test match against New Zealand in Pune is set to witness some significant selection calls. With KL Rahul's place seemingly secured, despite a string of inconsistent performances, it appears that Sarfaraz Khan may be the one to face the axe. This situation has created a stir, especially considering Sarfaraz's stellar century in the Bengaluru Test, where he scored an impressive 150 runs.
Assistant coach Ten Descate, speaking to the media, confirmed that KL Rahul will continue in the playing eleven, following head coach Gautam Gambhir's decision to back him for an extended run. Gambhir, who is unfazed by Rahul’s recent form, is determined to give him more chances, similar to how Sanju Samson was given time to prove his potential. Rahul’s selection, however, comes at a cost, and Sarfaraz Khan seems to be the unfortunate player on the verge of missing out in the Pune Test.
The return of Shubman Gill, who was unfit during the first Test, further complicates the selection. Gill is now fit and ready, which puts more pressure on Sarfaraz's spot. Ten Descate, when asked about the tough decisions ahead, suggested that Sarfaraz may have to sit out despite his recent brilliance with the bat. Dropping a player of Sarfaraz’s caliber, who just played a match-winning knock, might seem unfair, but with team combinations and strategies at play, the selectors are in a bind.
Another factor in play is Rishabh Pant’s fitness. Although Pant is reportedly fine, Descate mentioned that Pant is still having minor issues with bending his knee. This opens the door for an alternative wicketkeeping solution, where KL Rahul may take up the gloves, giving Sarfaraz a chance to stay in the XI. However, given the nature of the Pune pitch, a specialist wicketkeeper like Dhruv Jurel might be preferred over a part-time option.
A surprising addition to the team has been Washington Sundar. When asked about this, Ten Descate explained that Sundar offers a unique bowling angle that the team was lacking, particularly to target left-handed batsmen with deliveries outside off-stump. With Akshar Patel already in the side, the management believes Sundar's inclusion will provide a crucial edge in the bowling department.
As the Pune Test approaches, all eyes are on the team sheet. Will Sarfaraz Khan, who played a heroic innings just one match ago, find himself out of the lineup?
