IND vs NZ: "Social media doesn't.." Gautam Gambhir backs under-fire KL Rahul

KL Rahul scored only 12 runs across two innings in the first IND vs NZ test in Bengaluru.

KL Rahul’s batting performance has been put under scrutiny following his failures with the bat against New Zealand in the first test in Bengaluru. Rahul was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and could score only 12 runs in the second innings.

Rahul’s ordinary returns with the bat have fetched criticism from the fans especially on social media, with the demands for his axe from the team rising after Sarfaraz Khan slammed a terrific century.

With Shubman Gill set to return in the second test in Pune, the Indian team is facing a potential selection call between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. However, despite the criticism, the Indian team management appears to have full confidence in the under-firing batter.

Gautam Gambhir backs KL Rahul amid social media criticism

Ahead of the second test against New Zealand, head coach Gautam Gambhir threw his weight behind KL Rahul, defending him strongly against social media criticism.

In the pre-match press conference in Pune, Gambhir emphasized that the team management’s opinion is what matters and reaffirmed their support for Rahul despite his poor performance in Bengaluru.

“Social media does not matter one bit. What the team management and leadership group thinks is very important. He is batting really well, had a decent knock in Kanpur (against Bangladesh),” Gambhir said on the eve of the second test when questioned about Rahul’s place in the team.

Acknowledging that Rahul has not been at his best, Gambhir expressed faith in the batter’s ability to turn things around.

“I am sure he would be knowing that he has to score big runs and he has the capability of scoring runs. That’s why he has been backed by the team. Ultimately, everyone is judged. International cricket is all about being judged,” Gambhir added.

Following a shock defeat in Bengaluru, the Indian team will now look to regroup and make a comeback in the second test at Pune.

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