Parthiv Patel backs KL Rahul over Sarfaraz Khan for second India-New Zealand Test: 'I would still play him'

The Indian cricket team face a selection dilemma regarding their playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune after going down to the Kiwis by eight wickets in the first Test in Bengaluru on Sunday. One of the major decisions the team management will have to take is who between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan plays the second Test.

Sarfaraz Khan was included in the India playing XI for the Bengaluru Test in place of the injured Shubman Gill, and impressed with a knock of 150 in the second innings after being dismissed for a duck in the first while batting at No 4. KL Rahul, however, endured scores of 0 and 12 while batting at No 6, throwing his spot in the playing XI into doubt.

Parthiv Patel backs KL Rahul

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, however, has said that he will continue to back KL Rahul despite his unimpressive form. This year, the 32-year-old has scored 234 runs from five Tests at an average 33.42 and a best knock of 86 against England in the first Test. He has only scored one half-century since (68 vs Bangladesh in second Test).

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“The question will be whether Sarfaraz Khan will get to play or they will go with KL Rahul. I will still play KL Rahul, the way the team has shown faith in him. I am thinking like that based on how the team’s thinking has been,” Parthiv Patel said on Colors Cineplex.

On Sunday, after India’s loss in the first Test against New Zealand, Gill was seen facing Mayank Yadav at the centre-wicket, raising speculation of a possible comeback for the second Test. Gill had missed the first Test due to neck stiffness, and Patel noted the fact that Rahul continued to bat at No 6, and not No 3 even in Gill’s absence.

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‘Nothing to take from Sarfaraz’s knock, but…’

Rahul has batted four of the five Tests at No 6 spot this year, scoring 126 runs at an average of 25.20. “If you wanted, you could have made Rahul bat at No. 3 in this Test match but you said that you didn’t want to change his position.

“Nothing to take from Sarfaraz’s knock, he made 150 runs for sure, but it’s the same situation as Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep. There will definitely be pressure on KL Rahul but I would still play him,” added the 39-year-old.

India will look to level the series 1-1 against New Zealand when the two teams lock horns in the second Test, starting in Pune from Thursday (24 October).