Batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed that Shubman Gill, who had been recovering from a neck strain, is now “ready to play” in the upcoming Pune Test. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan enters this match on a high, having scored his maiden Test century. However, captain Rohit Sharma has previously stated his desire to allow KL Rahul more time to settle into the No.6 position.
Gill’s Intense Net Session Signals Readiness for the Test
As the net practice session neared its end, with team members packing up and others already heading back, Shubman Gill stayed behind. He focused on facing throw-downs from close range and smashing spinners over mid-on with effortless power. Support staff occasionally asked about his neck condition, but each time, Gill reassured them with a thumbs-up, even demonstrating his readiness by twisting his neck in a sweep motion, signalling his fitness for the Pune Test.
Having missed the Bengaluru Test due to his neck injury, Gill’s inclusion in the Pune match depends on medical clearance. Should he be deemed fit, Gill is expected to return to his No.3 batting position. When asked about Gill’s recovery, Ryan ten Doeschate gave a measured response, stating that although Gill had experienced some discomfort, he had been practising well and appeared set for the Test match.
Selection Puzzle: KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan?
Gill’s return to the lineup creates a selection conundrum, as only one KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan can play alongside him. Sarfaraz Khan, fresh from a century at Chinnaswamy Stadium, has nearly secured his place in the team, especially if the pitch at Pune favours spin, an area where Sarfaraz excels.
This leaves KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in direct competition. Both players are at a pivotal stage in their careers, showing signs of turning their talent into consistent performances after overcoming some form-related struggles in the past months.
KL Rahul’s Mixed Fortunes
KL Rahul’s performance in the Bengaluru Test was underwhelming, as he failed in both innings. Coach Ten Doeschate, however, was quick to defend Rahul, arguing that those two deliveries were the only ones that genuinely troubled him. Rahul’s record in the last ten innings includes a century in Centurion and two key half-centuries. His ability to score runs abroad holds weight, with five of his eight Test centuries coming in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries.
At 32, Rahul may have limited opportunities left to cement his place in the team. His career, often disrupted by injuries, seemed to be stabilizing before a quadriceps strain during the Hyderabad Test sidelined him once again. A similar thigh injury in 2021 also hampered his progress. Since returning from his most recent injury, Rahul has looked more unlucky than out of form, failing to convert starts into big scores.
Ten Doeschate explained Rahul’s struggles: “After the last Test, I asked KL how many balls he missed. The answer was none. But when runs aren’t coming, it’s easy to overanalyze. In Bengaluru, he got out twice, once down the leg side and once with an edge. There’s no major concern with KL’s form; mentally, he’s in a good space.”
In practice sessions, Rahul has been in delicate touch, striking the ball cleanly. He began with crisp drives against seamers before moving on to uncharacteristic reverse sweeps. Like Gill, Rahul has also been spending extra time in the nets, ending his session with a few well-timed pull shots.
Rahul’s Value Beyond Batting
Ten Doeschate drew parallels between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson, citing Samson’s eventual success after Gautam Gambhir gave him consistent opportunities. Similarly, captain Rohit Sharma has expressed his intent to provide Rahul with time to settle in the No.6 role. Over his career, Rahul has shown versatility by playing in multiple batting positions, from opening to No.3, No.4, and No.6.
Rahul’s value to the team extends beyond just his batting. He is a versatile player, capable of batting anywhere in the order, and serves as a backup wicket-keeper. His experience from three international tours adds to his utility. Dropping Rahul before the Australian tour could dent his confidence, which the team management would want to avoid.
The Case for Shubman Gill at No.3
At the same time, Shubman Gill holds a key position in the team, batting at No.3. Prior to his injury, Gill had been settling into this role. After some initial struggles with both swing and spin, he responded by scoring a century against England in Visakhapatnam. Since then, Gill has added two centuries and ninety in nine innings, further cementing his place in the lineup.
With only two Tests remaining before the crucial Australia series, it’s unlikely that the team management will push Virat Kohli back to No.3 to accommodate KL Rahul. India will want to lock in their top seven players before they head to Perth for the first Test against Australia.
A Tough Decision for India’s Team Management
India’s team management now faces a tough call regarding the Pune Test lineup. As Ryan ten Doeschate put it, “We are trying to fit seven players into six spots for this match. We will assess the pitch and then decide what’s best for the team. It’s a competitive environment, but that’s a good thing.”
Ultimately, the choice between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan may come down to the conditions in Pune and the team’s long-term strategy. Both players bring unique strengths, but the team can only afford to pick one.
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