NEW DELHI: Batting maestro Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen sharing light moments during Team India‘s net session on Tuesday ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.
The former teammates, who have had their share of on-field rivalries during the IPL in the past, seemed to enjoy each other’s company as their casual interaction was a refreshing sight for fans, as India look to bounce back against the Kiwis after losing the first Test by 8 wickets in Bengaluru.
With both legends bringing immense experience to the table, the team appears relaxed yet focused. Kohli and Gambhir’s light-hearted exchange added a positive vibe to the session.
Team India is optimistic that Rishabh Pant will be able to continue as the wicketkeeper in the second Test, despite sustaining a knee injury during the first match, according to assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
In the opening Test, which marked New Zealand’s first victory in India since 1988, Pant played a courageous innings, scoring 99 runs. However, while performing his wicketkeeping duties, he suffered an injury in the same knee that had undergone surgery following a severe car accident in December 2022, which had kept him out of action for over a year.
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As the home team aims to equalise the three-match series in the upcoming Test in Pune on Thursday, Pant’s fitness remains a key concern.
Ten Doeschate addressed reporters, saying, “Rishabh’s pretty good. 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 this Test as well.”
India faced a challenging start in the opening Test, being dismissed for a mere 46 runs. However, a remarkable comeback was staged, led by Pant and Sarfaraz Khan, who formed a formidable 177-run partnership.
Sarfaraz, who replaced Shubman Gill in the lineup, showcased his prowess by scoring an impressive 150 runs.
With Sarfaraz’s maiden Test century, Team India now faces a selection dilemma as Gill is expected to return for the second match. The team management has expressed support for senior batsman KL Rahul, despite his recent inconsistent batting performances.
“There’s certainly no concerns about KL,” affirmed ten Doeschate, “He’s batting nicely, he’s in a good mental space, but yeah, we’re certainly going to have to fit seven pieces into six spots for this Test and look at the pitch now and decide what’s going to be best for the team.”
