"I went to KL after the last game and asked how many balls you missed and there were none" - ten Doeschate on Rahul  ahead of 2nd IND vs NZ 2024 Test 

Team India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that there is a real tussle for the middle-order spots ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin from Thursday, October 24 in Pune. Sarfaraz Khan has announced himself as a potential starter in the playing XI with his sublime hundred in the first Test.

The pressure now falls firmly on KL Rahul, who scored 0 and 12 in the first and second innings, respectively, at his home ground. The batter was held back at No.6 despite Shubman Gill's absence, but ended up being dismissed by William O'Rourke on both occasions.

"There's a fight for the spot. Sarfaraz was brilliant. I went to KL after the last game and asked how many balls you missed and there were none. He's in good space but we'll have to fit in seven there. So yes there's competition," ten Doeschate said in the pre-match press conference in Pune via RevSportz.

Ryan ten Doeschate also shed some light on the injury situation within the team. Rishabh Pant was struck on his knee while keeping wickets, and only batted in the second innings as Dhruv Jurel donned the gloves. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, missed the first Test due to a stiff neck. There were even doubts raised over Ashwin's fitness as he bowled only a couple of overs in the final innings.

"Pant is looking good. Hopefully he'll keep wickets in this Test. He was having slight discomfort while running towards the end of his knock. Gill had a slight discomfort. Of course he batted for a long in Bengaluru. But he'll be fine for this Test. Ashwin absolutely fine fitness wise. No niggle," the assistant coach clarified.

India are in a battle to make a comeback in the series after a shock eight-wicket defeat in the series opener.

Gill's potential return is bound to bring up a change in the batting unit. With the top four seemingly set along with the wicketkeeper, either one of Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul might have to sit out.

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"Bengaluru was an aberration" - Ryan ten Doeschate

Team India could not handle the New Zealand seamers after electing to bat first, a decision which backfired. After being bowled for 46, their lowest on home soil, the Men in Blue tried to stage a comeback in the second innings, but could only end with a meek fightback.

Ryan ten Doeschate commented on the spin trio's display in Bengaluru, terming it as an one-off outing.

"We have to say Rachin and Tim played really well. Yes, the pitch wasn't exactly suitable for our spinners. But if it does help them here I am sure our spinners will do well. Bengaluru was an aberration," Ryan ten Doeschate said.

Team India have made a slight change to their squad for the remainder of the series. All-rounder Washington Sundar was called up after his heroics in the Ranji Trophy clash against Delhi.

"We have Axar in the squad. We wanted to have someone who can take the ball away from the lefties. We want that option. It's good to see guys getting rewarded for Ranji trophy," he added.

Early reports have emerged that India are keen on a slow turner for the second Test. This could bring the spin trio into play as the hosts look to level the series before the third Test in Mumbai.