Why is KL Rahul not playing the second Test against New Zealand in Pune? Know the big reason

 

 Why is KL Rahul not playing IND vs NZ Pune Test: The second match of the three-Test series (IND vs NZ) between India and New Zealand is being played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. In this match, the Indian team lost the toss and the coin was in favor of New Zealand. Kiwi captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to bat first. At the same time, captain Rohit Sharma informed about three big changes in the playing 11 to be played in Bengaluru. Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Akashdeep have got a chance in the second Test, while KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammad Siraj have been dropped. In such a situation, Rahul's exclusion is the most discussed.

The leaf was cut because of Shubman Gill

KL Rahul could not do anything special in the Bengaluru Test and only 12 runs came from his bat in both the innings combined, while Sarfaraz Khan, who got a chance due to Shubman Gill not playing in the same match, played an innings of 150 runs. Due to this, there was a discussion that who would be dropped between Rahul and Sarfaraz on Gill's return. It seemed that Rahul might not be dropped, because head coach Gautam Gambhir openly supported this batsman. However, his support did not work and Rahul was dropped from the playing 11 for the match to be held in Pune.

KL Rahul has not played a big innings in Tests for a long time. He scored his last century on the South Africa tour. After this, he played a half-century in the England series and then in the series against Bangladesh also, only one half-century came from his bat. Compared to him, Sarfaraz Khan has shown more consistency. That is why Rohit Sharma and the team management have kept him a part of the playing 11 in the second Test against New Zealand as well.

India's playing 11 for Pune Test

Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akashdeep, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah.