Sarfaraz Khan replaced Shubman Gill in India XI and scored 150.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck, was seen hitting the nets after the match ended early on day 5. New Zealand won the Test by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up in the 3-Test series.
In Gill’s absence, Sarfaraz Khan was picked in the India XI and repaid the trust of Indian team management by scoring 150 in the second innings. After his outstanding performance with the bat on Friday and Saturday, Sarfaraz has almost assured his position in the playing XI for the remaining matches of the series, putting KL Rahul's spot in jeopardy.
The Karnataka-based cricketer scored 0 and 12 runs in India's eight-wicket defeat in the first Test. Following Rahul's poor performance with the bat, several supporters on social media want him to be dropped from the Test team and batsman Gill to be selected in his stead rather than Sarfaraz for the second Test.
There are several videos on social media showing Shubman Gill sweating it out in nets in Bengaluru as he preps for the second Test in Pune that begins on October 24.
Even India pacer Mohammad Shami was seen bowling to Shubman Gill in Bengaluru nets. Shami was seen with his left knee heavily taped, cementing reports of him suffering a knee injury during rehab at the NCA. India bowling coach Morne Morkel kept a close eye on Shami as he bowled with a shortened run-up.
Not only this but India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also padded up and faced Mohammad Shami in the nets.
During the post-match press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma gave reporters a favorable update on Gill, stating that the 25-year-old right-handed batter seemed to be in good health at the moment.
Gill, who took over as India's No. 3 Test hitter from Cheteshwar Pujara, has three hundreds in eight Tests played in 2024. His comeback will strengthen India's batting lineup, which struggled against New Zealand's pace attack in the first inning.
India cannot afford to lose its second match in a straight, as it will not only jeopardize India's chances of qualifying for the WTC final but will also let New Zealand win a Test series on Indian soil for the first time in history.