Sarfaraz Khan wasn’t initially included in the playing XI sheet for the ongoing IND vs NZ Test in Bangalore. He has often been the backup player for India. This year, after making a dazzling debut in the series against England, Sarfaraz was included in the squad for the series against Bangladesh. However, he didn’t get a chance to play due to the presence of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. Shubman Gill has been performing well at the No. 3 position in Tests.
However, when Gill got injured before the Bangalore Test, Sarfaraz was given a chance to bat at No. 4. Since Sarfaraz is new to the international Test setup, Virat Kohli sacrificed his No. 4 position to bat at No. 3, allowing Sarfaraz to take the No. 4 spot. Despite a duck in the first innings, Sarfaraz made a stunning comeback by scoring a blistering century in the second inning. Now, the question remains: has Sarfaraz Khan shut the door on Shubman Gill’s return in the IND vs NZ second Test?
Sarfaraz vs Gill: Who will retain their spot?
Despite Sarfaraz Khan’s excellent performance, it’s likely that Shubman Gill might return to India’s playing XI. Gill, the talented batter from Punjab, has been in exceptional form, scoring three centuries this year alone. His most recent century came on September 19th against Bangladesh. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on the horizon, Gill’s solid performances during India’s last tour of Australia further strengthen his case for selection.
However, Sarfaraz Khan is also proving his worth. He played a superb knock of 222 runs in the Irani Trophy and has scored two half-centuries against England, showcasing his readiness to take on tense situations. His recent century against New Zealand further proves his ability to deliver in uneasy conditions, making him a valuable asset for India.
Is KL Rahul under pressure?
KL Rahul might be feeling the heat as Sarfaraz Khan’s rise shows a potential challenge. If India is not firm on their plans for the No. 6 position, Sarfaraz could slot in there, with Shubman Gill returning to No. 3. Two of the half-centuries Sarfaraz scored this year against England came in when he was batting at number 6, where Rahul bats. Both Sarfaraz and Gill have proven their capabilities in Test cricket, and their performances may push Rahul to deliver stronger results.
KL Rahul, however, has also performed not up to par this year, scoring no century this year. His best innings was an 86-run knock against England in Hyderabad. Additionally, he has registered two half-centuries, one against Bangladesh and another against England, proving his value to the team.
A tough selection dilemma for India
India now faces a challenging decision regarding their middle order. While Shubman Gill’s consistency and KL Rahul’s experience give them strong cases, Sarfaraz Khan’s recent performances have made him a serious contender. As India prepares for the upcoming series, the Border-Gavasker Trophy, the team management will have to carefully consider their options to ensure the strongest lineup takes the field.
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