'There's Competition': India's Asst. Coach Delivers Clear Cut Message To KL Rahul Before 2nd Test

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Indian Test team, playing on Indian soil is a different entity altogether and are an invincible force. But Tom Latham's New Zealand defied all odds and emerged victorious in the rain-affected series opener. New Zealand are currently 1-0 up in the series and they will be looking to clinch the series with a win in the second Test match in Pune. But before the second Test match, there is a lot of speculation about India's playing eleven.

Ryan ten Doeschate Addresses India's Middle Order Woes

Former Netherland and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player Ryan ten Doeschate addressed India's middle-order confusion. India's number three, Shubman Gill was rested in Bengaluru due to a stiff neck. With Gill missing out, Sarfaraz Khan was included in India's XI and Virat Kohli batted number three. Unfortunately for KL Rahul , his bat failed to do the talking in both the innings and his place in many ways is under threat.

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As per Rohit Sharma and ten Doeschate's admission, Shubman Gill has been feeling much better and has resumed training. Gill coming back into the picture means that either Sarfaraz or Rahul play in the next Test match. KL Rahul is undoubtedly more experienced as compared to Sarfaraz, but he isn't scoring much runs. Before the 2nd IND vs NZ Test match, Ryan ten Doeschate was specifically asked about KL Rahul and India's middle order, to which he had a very interesting reply.

'There's a fight for the spot. Sarfaraz was brilliant. I went to KL after the last game and asked how many balls you missed and there were none. He's in good space but we'll have to fit in seven there. So yes there's competition.', said Doeschate

India and New Zealand Eye Crucial WTC Points

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India, as compared to New Zealand are comfortably placed in the World Test Championship points table. Rohit and Co. are at the top of the WTC standings and are pretty much the favourites to qualify for the finals that is to be played next year. New Zealand on the other hand are in a spot of bother and they need to win all of their remaining five games if they want to give themselves a chance to play the WTC Finals