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Published 11:55 IST, October 23rd 2024

Gambhir Doesn't Confirm Gill's Place in Playing XI For Pune Test, Kohli to Continue at No. 3?

India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that Shubman Gill has recovered from his neck stiffness, but he did not assure his spot in the XI for the Pune Test.

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gautam gambhir gave befitting reply to virat kohli critics
Kohli to play at No. 3? | Image: BCCI/X

India vs New Zealand: India head coach Gautam Gambhir on the eve of the second Test confirmed that Shubman Gill has recovered from his neck stiffness, but he did not assure his spot in the XI for the Pune Test. So, what does this mean, does Virat Kohli continue to bat at No. 3? Kohli's numbers at No. 3 surely does not justify his potential, and hence Gambhir's presser was being closely monitored to get some clarification over Gill's spot. Gambhir was tight-lipped over the playing XI, trying to build some suspense around it. The decision to back Kohli at No. 3 at Bengaluru was a tactical move because Gill was out of the game.

ALSO READ: Gambhir CONFIRMS Pant's Availability, Slams Media For THIS Reason 

When asked about Shubman Gill, Gambhir said that he is fit but the playing XI is yet to be decided.

‘We have not decided the playing XI’

Gautam Gambhir on Shubman Gill: "He was injured in the last game. He has been in great touch. We have not decided the playing XI."

What Rohit Said About Gill

Speaking about the match in the post-match presser, Rohit said about Gill, "Shubman Gill seems okay at this point in time."

During the match, Gill was often witnessed practicing in the nets, seeming to have overcome his fitness issues.

ALSO READ: Female Fan Asks Rohit Sharma To Deliver Her Message To Kohli - WATCH

The second Test begins on Thursday in Pune, while Mumbai will host the series decider from November 1.

India's updated squad for the second and third Test against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , KL Rahul , Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin , Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.

Updated 15:18 IST, October 23rd 2024