‘There’s a fight for a spot’ – Indian coach’s remarks ignite KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz Khan debate ahead of Pune Test

With just under 36 hours left for the Pune Test, there are huge decisions to be made by the Indian team management. Ryan Ten Doeschate, India's assistant coach, was addressing the media ahead of the game when he was asked about Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. While the former is riding on the back of his ton, the latter has been struggling to score runs in recent times. 

The former Dutch star said, “Yeah, there's no point in sugarcoating it, there's a fight for a spot. Sarfaraz was obviously brilliant in the last Test. I went to KL after the last Test and said how many balls do you play at and miss at? He didn't play at and miss at one ball and that's what tends to happen when you're not getting runs.”

KL Rahul has been given public backing by some of the former Indian stars. Parthiv Patel during his chat with Jio Cinema at the end of the first Test backed the 32-year-old. According to the former Indian wicketkeeper, KL Rahul deserves another chance despite Sarfaraz Khan scoring a century. 

Indian coach reveals fitness details of two key Indian stars 

Many fans want Sarfaraz Khan to play the next game in Pune, considering he scored 150 during the Bengaluru Test. According to Ryan Ten Doeschate, Indian coach Gautam Gambhir wants to give KL Rahul more chances before taking a call. 

“It's not like we're worried about his form. If you go on just the past three months since Gauti has been in here, he's keen to give him (Rahul) as much rope as we can. We have a lot of faith in him,” said India’s assistant coach. 

The former Dutch star also said, “But at the same time, it's a very competitive environment, with Sarfaraz getting 150 plus runs in the Irani Trophy final. The decision will be what's best for the team, but we'll certainly back all the guys in."

When asked about the fitness status of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, the 44-year-old said, “Rishabh is pretty good. I think Rohit Sharma touched on it the other day. He was having a little bit of discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed, he'll be good to keep in the Test as well." 

“Gill looks like he is available for this Test. He has batted last week in Bangalore, he had a few nets, he's got a little bit of discomfort, but I think he'll be good to go for the Test," added Ryan Ten Doeschate.