Ex-Indian star's opinion on KL Rahul vs Sarfaraz Khan for the 2nd Test: '150 runs or not, my choice is...'

Shubman is anticipated to make a comeback in the Pune Test after being spotted training in the nets following the Bengaluru Test. This will present a challenging decision for the team management as they will have to choose between Sarfaraz and Rahul for the middle order position.

Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has made it crystal clear that he will still choose Rahul over Sarfaraz, considering how the team management backed him in recent times when it comes to red-ball cricket.

"The question will be whether Sarfaraz Khan will get to play or they will go with KL Rahul. I will still play KL Rahul, the way the team has shown faith in him. I am thinking like that based on how the team's thinking has been," Patel told Colors Cineplex.

Rahul's batting record at home in Test cricket has dipped in the last couple of years, he has scored just 264 runs in 6 matches at an underwhelming average of 29.33.

Patel observed that India stuck with Rahul at number 6 in the middle order and didn't promote him to number 3 in the absence of Shubman in Bengaluru.

"If you wanted, you could have made Rahul bat at No. 3 in this Test match but you said that you didn't want to change his position. Nothing to take from Sarfaraz's knock, he made 150 runs for sure, but it's the same situation as Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep. There will definitely be pressure on KL Rahul but I would still play him,"