On Sarfaraz Khan vs KL Rahul question, Indian coach's blunt “no point sugarcoating” comment

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Tuesday said middle-order batsmen KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan are locked in a selection battle for the second Test against New Zealand here, although head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen to give the former a longer responsibility. As India look to bounce back after the eight-wicket defeat in Bengaluru in the opening Test, the focus will be on the team combination after the inclusion of Washington Sundar in the squad. Both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are aiming to shake off injury concerns for the match starting on Thursday.

When Ten Doeschate was asked at the MCA Stadium here ahead of India's training session whether Rahul and Sarfaraz were struggling for a place in the team, he told the media: “Yes, there is no point in sugar coating it. “There is a fight for a place.”

“Sarfaraz was obviously brilliant in the last Test. I went to KL after the last Test (and) I asked how many balls do you play (and) miss? He didn't play (and) missed one ball and he What happens when you are not scoring runs?

“Obviously no worries about KL, he is batting well, he is in good mental shape. But we obviously have to fit the seven pieces into six places for this Test and look at the pitch now And have to decide what will be best for the team,” he said.

Sarfaraz scored 150 runs in the second innings in the Bengaluru match, while Rahul was poor in both the innings.

Admitting that it is difficult to keep Rahul out of the equation in the Test format, Ten Doeschate said head coach Gautam Gambhir is “keen” to give him a longer role.

“It's not that we are worried about his form. If you look at the last three months since Gauti has been here, he is keen to give him (Rahul) as many chances as possible. We have a lot of confidence in him, '' he said.

“But at the same time, it is a very competitive environment, with Sarfaraz scoring over 150 (222 not out) in the Irani Trophy final. The decision will be what is best for the team, but we will certainly support all the players.” do.” , “he adds.

Pant, who did not keep wicket for a significant part of the opening Test, and Shubman Gill, who missed the match due to stiffness in his neck, are close to regaining their full fitness.

“Rishabh is quite good. I think Rohit (Sharmana) touched it in the past. He was having a little discomfort in the last range of movement of the knee. But fingers crossed, it will be good to have him in the Test as well,” He said.

“He (Gill) looks (available for this Test). He batted in Bengaluru last week, he did a few nets, he has got a bit of discomfort, but I think he will be good for the Test. ” he adds.