Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 16, 2024, 07:00 AM
IND vs NZ Test Series: After Team India's tremendous victory in the Test series against Bangladesh, India's eyes are now on New Zealand, against whom the team has to play the upcoming Test series. Although the New Zealand team is considered a strong opponent, the series is to be held in India, due to which the Indian team is considered to have the upper hand. Meanwhile, speculations are being made about the Indian playing XI for the Bengaluru Test. Some changes are possible in the team, and for one player these changes are not giving good signs, while for another player it can be a golden opportunity.Shubman Gill's playing first Test doubtfulBefore the first match of the Test series between India and New Zealand, it has come to light that Team India's star batsman Shubman Gill is suffering from a stiff neck problem. In such a situation, it is possible that Shubman Gill may not be able to take part in the first Test. Although there has been no official statement on this matter from captain Rohit Sharma and the team management yet, according to some sources, Gill is almost certain to miss the first match.KL Rahul may get the responsibility of number threeNow the question arises that if Shubman Gill is unable to play in the first Test, then who will bat at number three? For this, KL Rahul is emerging as a possible option. Rahul has recently batted at number 5 and 6, but he has also opened in Test cricket. In such a situation, he can be sent to play at number three. If Rahul is sent at number three, it will free up another place in the playing XI, which may give Sarfaraz Khan a chance to be included in the team.Sarfaraz Khan may get a chanceIf Shubman Gill does not play in the first Test, it could be a golden opportunity for Sarfaraz Khan to return to the Indian team. Sarfaraz Khan made his Test debut against England this year and has scored 200 runs in three Tests so far. He has an average of 50 and bats at a strike rate of 79.36. Sarfaraz has three half-centuries to his name and will now be looking for a century.Excellent performance in domestic cricketSarfaraz Khan has had a great performance in domestic cricket, especially in the recent Iran Cup match against Rest of India, where he scored 222 runs. If he gets a chance in the Indian team, he will try to maintain this form and aim to play a big innings for Team India. But it will all depend on the fitness of Shubman Gill, because if Gill is fit, Sarfaraz may have to sit out.ConclusionShubman Gill's neck problem ahead of the Test series between India and New Zealand has raised the possibility of a change in Team India's playing XI. KL Rahul may get a chance to play at number three, while Sarfaraz Khan may once again get a place in the team. It will be interesting to see what the final decision is regarding Gill's fitness and what will be Team India's strategy based on it.