"Selectors don't pick players based on social media": Coach Gautam Gambhir defends KL Rahul amid poor show in 1st Test

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Pune: India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has come out in support of KL Rahul following his underwhelming performance in the first Test against New Zealand.

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Gambhir emphasised that team selections are not influenced by social media opinions or external experts, stressing that the decision-making process lies with the team management and leadership.

"You don't pick players based on social media or what the experts say. What the team management and leadership group thinks is very important. Everyone in international cricket is judged by their performance, and that's the reality."

"However, I feel Rahul is batting well. He had a decent knock in Kanpur against Bangladesh on a difficult wicket and followed the team's plans. He knows he needs to score big runs, and the team backs him because of his capability," Gambhir stated.

Addressing Washinton Sundar's possible inclusion for the second Test, Gambhir said the team is considering the off-spinner due to New Zealand's left-handed-heavy lineup.

"They have four or five left-handers in the playing XI, including two openers and Rachin Ravindra in the middle order. We feel Washy can provide us with more control in the middle by taking the ball away from the left-handers. But we haven't finalised the playing XI yet," he noted.

On the subject of managing the workload of Jasprit Bumrah and the fast bowlers ahead of the upcoming tour of Australia, Gambhir expressed confidence that the break after the New Zealand series would be sufficient.

"Once this series is over, we have around 10 or 12 days before the Australia Tests. That’s enough break for our fast bowlers. We will monitor Bumrah's condition after this Test, but it’s not just about him. It’s about all the fast bowlers. We want them fresh for the important tour of Australia, and workload management will depend on the outcome of this Test," Gambhir explained.

India will look to bounce back as they prepare for the second Test in the series, with team selections and player management remaining crucial talking points.