Will KL Rahul play in 2nd Test vs New Zealand in Pune? How can India adjust him with Sarfaraz Khan in playing 11?

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KL Rahul's spot in the India playing eleven is in focus ahead of the second Test against New Zealand which starts from Thursday, October 24 in Pune. The senior batter is on the cusp of losing his place for reasons obvious.

He failed in a crunch situation for India in the second innings of the first Test in Bengaluru. The team was looking to set a competitive target after overcoming a massive 356-run lead when KL Rahul departed for 12 off 16. KL Rahul was dismissed for a duck as India were bundled out for 46 in the first innings.

On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan made the most of the opportunity in the absence of Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to stiffness in his neck. Sarfaraz was also dismissed for a duck in the second innings, but his 150 runs in the second innings scripted a stunning India comeback.

His 177-run partnership with Rishabh Pant played a key role in helping India wipe off their second-highest lead at home. With his maiden hundred, the 27-year-old has also sealed his spot for the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Will KL Rahul be dropped for second Test in Pune?

The only way KL Rahul can retain his place is if India opt to play with just one pacer and three spinners. That would create a space for him in the India playing eleven for the second Test. The same can happen if the Pune surface promises to be a rank-turner.

Reports have emerged that a slow pitch has been prepared as India look to level the series. The fast bowlers are unlikely to get any seam movement after the first hour. A fifth spinner in Washington Sundar was added to the India squad after the eight-wicket defeat in Pune.

India played with three pacers in both the Test matches against Bangladesh. Bengaluru pitch was also expected to help spinners as India played the match with three spinners and two pacers, However, the nature of the surface changed due to the incessant rain and overcast conditions.

India played their last Test match in Pune with three pacers and two spinners. The addition of Washington Sundar in the playing eleven will automatically increase India's batting depth. The Tamil Nadu star recently smashed a hundred against Delhi in Ranji Trophy. His inclusion gives India the option to play with two pacers, and if that's the case, KL Rahul would certainly sit out in the Pune Test.

India's Predicted Playing 11 vs New Zealand for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep