IND vs NZ 2024: Gautam Gambhir provides update on Shubman Gill's injury status
The two-match Test series against Bangladesh last month was the last time the top-order batter featured for India.
With there being so much weighing on India's second Test against New Zealand with respect to the overall context of the series, the developments preluding the Pune Test have been nothing short of intriguing. From squad selection to the weather conditions, each discussion has held its own importance in the grand scheme of things. The ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship has added its own essence to it all, with the prime objective of the team being reaching the final of the WTC to be held next June.
Head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, appeared in a customary pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. One of the hot topics he discussed was pertaining to dashing top-order batter, Shubman Gill. He also provided a surface-level insight on the team's already well-established mentality.
"He was injured in the last game due to injury. He has been in great touch. We have not decided the playing XI. We will decide tomorrow and whatever team we decide, they'll go out to win," stated Gambhir during the pre-match press conference, as quoted by The Times of India.
Notably, a stiff neck was the reason as to why Gill could not make it to the XI in the first Test. With Gill regaining fitness as per recent reports, it is anticipated that the team will have to toss up between Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul. While the choice might be pretty obvious at the moment with Sarfaraz being the clear option to go forward, the management might just go in with experience.
He's absolutely fine, he'll keep wickets tomorrow: Gambhir
The former Indian southpaw also spoke on wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, whose place in the second Test had been a constant question mark post him copping a blow to the right knee during the 37th over of New Zealand's innings.
"He's absolutely fine, he'll keep wickets tomorrow," noted Gambhir.
Also Read: Reports: India's squad for BGT 2024-25 to be announced after conclusion of Pune Test
There were reports citing Dhruv Jurel's inclusion had Gambhir & Co. have gone ahead with resting Pant in order for him to recuperate fully. However, with Gambhir's official statement, those rumours have been quashed irrevocably.
Download Our App