Ajinkya Rahane will be leading India in the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara will be his deputy The Indian Test specialist has backed his skipper to come back to form in the Test series.

Ajinkya Rahane went woefully out of form ever since winning the Test series in Australia. Meanwhile addressing the pre-match presser Cheteshwar Pujara has backed his partner to come good with the bat and come back into form.

“He (Rahane) is a great player, there are times when a player goes through a tough time and that’s a part of this game. There can be ups and downs but I feel he is a confident player. He is someone who works hard on his game and I am sure he is just one innings away from gaining back the form,” said Pujara in the virtual press conference.

Pujara further in his presser, also said that Shubman Gill is more than likely to play in the first Test after KL Rahul is ruled out of the series. Gill will possibly open with Mayank Agarwal with Suryakumar Yadav likely to get his Test cap as well in Rahul’s place.

NEWS – Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul in India's Test squad.

KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand.

More details here –https://t.co/ChXVhBSb6H #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/uZp21Ybajx

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2021

“Can’t reveal that at this stage. But see, he is a talented player and definitely he will be part of the team. So someone like him, you know he doesn’t need to worry too much, he has been playing good cricket for a couple of years since he has made his debut. It was unfortunate that he missed out on England, but he is a talented player, and I don’t think personally I will need to tell him much,” quipped Pujara.

Can’t Reveal My Batting Position: Cheteshwar Pujara

When asked about the position, he would bat, Pujaqra said that coach Rahul Dravid is the best man to give that answer.

“Rahul bhai is there, he will give the best guidance. So I think he will just have to play his natural game. I can’t reveal the position he will bat at, but he is well prepared and I am sure he is looking forward to this series,” Pujara concluded saying.

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