Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul locked in tight selection battle for 2nd India vs New Zealand Test

's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has stated that middle order batters Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul find themselves in a tight fight for selection in the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.

Sarfaraz had scored an impressive 150 in the second innings of the first Test, while Rahul struggled in both innings, failing to get on the scoreboard.

When questioned about the competition between the two for a spot in the middle order, ten Doeschate was direct, saying “there's no point in sugarcoating it, there's a fight for a spot”.

While he acknowledged Rahul's quality and experience at Test level, ten Doeschate noted India will have to choose the best seven players from a pool of six spots. Sarfaraz's stellar knock of 222 not out in the Irani Trophy has added pressure.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is said to favor continuity and wants to back Rahul, but the competitive team and match conditions may lead to a change. Ten Doeschate emphasized team balance will be prioritized over any individual.

Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are also pushing for selection after missing the first Test. According to the assistant coach, both players have recovered from their niggling injuries and should be available for selection.

India will hope to bounce back from their defeat in Bengaluru with a revised lineup. The intense battle between in-form Sarfaraz and experienced Rahul for the middle order slots could be pivotal.