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Gill, Kohli Practice Hard; Does This Mean Shubman Will Replace KL Rahul In Pune Test?

Muskaan Bhatt

Indian stars Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in nets [Source: @CricSubhayan/X]Indian stars Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in nets [Source: @CricSubhayan/X]

Ahead of the much-anticipated second Test between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill were spotted practising hard in the nets. The hosts aim to re-group and overcome their recent loss to the Kiwis.

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill Sweat It Out In Nets


25-year-old batter Shubman Gill was not a part of India's playing XI in the first Test due to a stiff neck. Captain Rohit Sharma explained that he could not be included in the team's line-up since he was unfit. As a result, Sarfaraz Khan was included in the XI.

However, on a positive note, Gill is fit and likely to be included in the starting XI for the upcoming Test at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune as India aim to bounce back stronger.

Previously, Shubman was also spotted practising in the nets as he faced Indian pacer Mohd. Shami in Bengaluru. This has further fuelled the rumours about the Punjab-born batter to make a return for the upcoming Test.

KL Rahul likely to be dropped

But if Gill is included, this would jeopardise KL Rahul's spot. The Bengaluru batter has been criticised numerous times for his poor performances. In the first Test, he departed for a duck, eventually failed to bat even the second innings, and returned for a low score. 

Conversely, Sarfaraz saved India from an embarrassing innings defeat as he slammed his maiden Test ton and looks to be in brilliant form. Hence, it is improbable he would be dropped to bring in Gill; the team could be looking to make amends to the team and bench KL Rahul. 

 Meanwhile, the second Test begins from 24 October onwards.