"Social media doesn't decide the playing XI" - Gautam Gambhir declares that management will back KL Rahul ahead of 2nd IND vs NZ Test 

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended KL Rahul following scrutiny surrounding the batter's spot ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 24. The Men in Blue head into the contest with a 0-1 deficit after a shocking loss in Bengaluru.

KL Rahul's meager returns with the bat in the series opener were one of several drawbacks for India. The right-handed batter scored 0 and 12, in the first and second innings, respectively, before being dismissed by William O'Rourke, edging to the wicketkeeper on both occasions.

Rahul was held back to his newfound position in the middle order despite Shubman Gill's absence. However, he could not make an impact with the bat on his home ground. With Sarfaraz Khan impressing one and all with his conviction en route to his maiden ton and Gill's imminent return, there is a lot of pressure on KL Rahul to maintain his place in the batting order.

"Social media doesn't decide the playing XI. It is not important what social media or experts think, it is important what team management thinks. KL Rahul had a decent knock in a tough Kanpur pitch. Yes, he would want to score big runs. And this team management is looking to back him," Gambhir said during the pre-match press conference.

Rahul had scored a quickfire 68 off 43 deliveries in India's frenzied innings during the rain-curtailed second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur recently. Having played over 50 Tests, he was also backed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate ahead of the upcoming clash in Pune.

Gambhir also confirmed that Shubman Gill is fully fit and in contention to make it to the playing XI.

"Gill 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," Gambhir added.

KL Rahul was seen batting in the nets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the aftermath of India's crushing eight-wicket loss on Day 5. He even faced the recovering pacer, Mohammed Shami, during the session.

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"Draws are boring" - Gautam Gambhir on instilling a winning mindset regardless of the situation

Team India have had to dig deep and force a situation to go for the win despite the circumstances being against them over the last two matches. Against Bangladesh, they had to score at a manic rate to overcome the lost days due to rain while against New Zealand, they had a realistic shot despite being bowled out for 46 in the first innings.

"Draws are boring. With T20 cricket around, I don't think we will see a lot of draws in Tests," Gambhir noted in the press conference.

England red-ball coach-captain duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have advocated the all-or-nothing approach several times since taking over in 2022.