You do not pick players based on social media: Gambhir defends KL Rahul

After social media critics badgered KL Rahul for his poor showing in the first Test against New Zealand in his hometown Bengaluru, India coach Gautam Gambhir came to his rescue ahead of the second Test in Pune. 

“Social media doesn't decide the playing XI. It is not important what social media or experts think, it is important what team management thinks,” Gambhir lashed out at those having a go at Rahul’s head after India’s defeat. 

“He had a decent knock in a tough Kanpur pitch. Yes, he would want to score big runs. And this team management is looking to back him,” added the Indian coach in the pre-match press conference on October 23 (Wednesday). 

Gambhir, who once fought for a draw against New Zealand by batting for nearly two days in Napier in 2009, further added that he now feels draws in Tests are boring. After sensationally enforcing a result in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, India tried to do the same against New Zealand in Bengaluru despite being behind the eight ball. That tactic, however, backfired as the Kiwis ended up registering a resounding eight-wicket victory thanks to an Indian collapse late on Day 4. 

"Draws are boring. With T20 cricket around, I don't think we will see a lot of draws in Tests," Gambhir said.

The former India batter also confirmed that Rishabh Pant, who had injured his knee while keeping wickets in the first Test, is ‘absolutely fine’ and ‘will keep wickets tomorrow’. Pant did bat in India’s second innings in Bengaluru, but Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in his place. 

"He's absolutely fine, he'll keep wickets tomorrow," Gambhir said of Pant.

Gambhir also seconded Ryan ten Doeschate on matters of Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar. The Dutchman, India’s assistant coach, had said that Sundar was picked in the squad as the fourth spinner because of the high number of left-handers in New Zealand playing 11 and the off-spinner can take the ball away from them. 

"With New Zealand having so many left handers, we wanted someone who can take the ball away from them. We haven't decided on the playing XI but he's a good option to have," the team India head coach said of Sundar's call-up.

As for Gill, Gambhir said that he was out because of getting injured in the Kanpur Test and is available for selection in the second Test. The team India head coach, however, did not confirm whether the incumbent No.3 will return back to the XI.

 "He was injured in the last game. He has been in great touch. We have not decided the playing XI. We will decide tomorrow and whatever team we decide, they'll go out to win," Gambhir said.

Workload has been the word of the decade as far as cricket and fitness in Tests is concerned. For Gambhir though, the 10-15 days of rest ahead of the Australia tour is more than good enough to take care of any workload issue, clearly suggesting that he was not in favour of resting key players. 

As it stands, Jasprit Bumrah, who is expected to play all five Tests in Australia, has played each of India's three home Tests this season and is also expected to play in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.

“Once this series is over, we have 10-12 days and that's good enough rest. Of course, we will evaluate after this game. Keeping the pacers fresh is important,” he said.

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