-
- Published: October 24, 2024 14:24
New Delhi: KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz debate finally looks settled ahead of the 2nd Test against New Zealand. While Sarfaraz managed to get a nod in the playing XI, KL Rahul had to sit out of the 2nd Test owing to a string of poor scores in red ball cricket. On the other hand, Sarfaraz did the unthinkable and hit a test ton on his debut. Naturally, a toss-up was followed between Sarfaraz and Rahul as to who would be securing a place in the playing XI.
Gambhir said “Social media doesn’t decide XI. It is not important what social media or experts think, it is important what management thinks, had a decent knock in a tough Kanpur pitch. Yes, he would want to score big runs, this management is looking to back Rahul”. [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/8Q273oDm0G
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 23, 2024
The debates were laid to rest at the toss when Rohit revealed that the backroom staff preferred Sarfaraz over the Karnataka batter. Meanwhile, there were a few more changes to the side with Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav making way for Washington Sundar and Akash Deep.
“Social media does not decide the playing XI. Team management will back KL Rahul ” pic.twitter.com/mH4CwWozbg
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) October 24, 2024
Although fans and media have been after the right-hander like a pack of hungry hounds, former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra has given a long rope to the Karnataka cricketer. In a recent interview, Chopra said:
Of course, the pressure is building because of his form. It is also unfair to start judging a player or to start picking or dropping him based on a single performance…
Washington gets direct entry to Playing XI
Meanwhile, India’s wild card entry Washington Sundar got a direct entry into the Playing XI ahead of the New Zealand Test series. The right-arm off-spinner made his mark on the game after his selection as he ripped through the batting lineup, clinching 6 wickets in the process.