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Gautam Gambhir Backs KL Rahul Amid Criticism: 'Social Media Doesn't Decide Playing XI' 

Gautam Gambhir on KL Rahul [Source: @Kunal_KLR/X.com]Gautam Gambhir on KL Rahul [Source: @Kunal_KLR/X.com]

On October 23, India head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his support for KL Rahul, who has been facing criticism on social media. Gambhir emphasized that what truly matters is the opinion of the team management, not external criticism.

Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the first innings of the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru and only managed 12 runs in the second innings. India ultimately lost the match by eight wickets. Despite this, Gambhir seems determined to continue backing Rahul.

Speaking ahead of the second Test, Gambhir said, 

"Social media doesn't decide playing XI. It is not important what social media or experts think, it is important what team management thinks. 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."

KL Rahul had scored 68 runs in the first innings of the Kanpur Test. Gambhir acknowledged that Rahul understands the need to deliver big performances, saying, 

“He knows he has to score big, and he has the ability to do so. That’s why the team continues to support him…In international cricket, everyone is judged."

However, Sarfaraz Khan’s century in the first Test has increased the pressure on Rahul. If selected, Rahul will need to perform in the second Test to retain his spot.

New Zealand Beat India By 8 Wickets 

New Zealand currently lead the three-match series after their eight-wicket win in M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a tough blow for India, who entered the series after a 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh, including a rain-affected win in Kanpur. It was the first win for New Zealand after 36 years on Indian Soil.

Team India will face New Zealand in Pune for the second Test, starting on October 24.