Team India’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia are in full swing, with the team set to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting on October 16. The series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial test for India, as they aim to resolve the middle-order puzzle and fine-tune their strategy ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Australia.
One of the key questions surrounding India’s middle order is the selection between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. Rahul, a seasoned campaigner with 52 Tests under his belt, has been preferred over Khan in recent matches. However, Khan’s impressive debut series against England, where he scored three fifties, has raised questions about Rahul’s place in the team.
Rahul’s experience and familiarity with Australian conditions could give him an edge over Khan. Rahul has played in two previous Border-Gavaskar series, scoring a century in Sydney in 2014-15. However, his performance in the 2018-19 tour was less impressive, averaging only 11.40 in three Tests.
On the other hand, Khan’s recent form has been exceptional. In the series against England, he scored 153 runs in three innings, including a century in the second Test. His ability to play spin effectively could be a valuable asset for India in the upcoming series against Australia.
The opening Test against New Zealand will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which has been a happy hunting ground for Rahul. In two previous Tests at the venue, he has scored 195 runs at an average of 65.00. A strong performance against New Zealand could bolster Rahul’s case for a place in the middle order for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ultimately, the decision between Rahul and Khan will depend on the team management’s assessment of their current form and suitability for the conditions in Australia. With the series against New Zealand providing a crucial opportunity to test both players, India will be hoping for a clear indication of who will be their preferred choice for the middle order in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
