Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said that India should replace KL Rahul with Shubman Gill in the second Test against New Zealand. Kl Rahul had a poor outing in the first Test and scored 0 and 12 in two innings he batted. Gill was ruled out of the first Test due to a stiff neck. He was replaced by Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a magnificent 150 in the second innings to script a memorable turnaround for Team India. Ali said Sarfaraz Khan should be retained in the playing XI for the second Test, with KL Rahul making way for Shubman Gill.

"Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven't been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn't done the same in home matches," said Basit Ali on YouTube.

India were in a great position when Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant were batting but the batters fell in quick success, resulting in India getting bowled out for 462 from 408-3. Ali said it was KL Rahul's responsibility to steady the ship after the fall of Sarfaraz and Pant, but he failed to deliver for the side.

"A lot depended on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got out. He has played a lot of Test matches and is everyone's favorite. However, he disappointed me today," he added.

Having shot down for 46 in the first innings and conceding 402 to New Zealand, India would have been delighted at 408-3, however, the second new ball did the trick for the visitors as the Indian batting crumbled. As things stand, New Zealand need 107 runs to win the first Test, but the conditions are not the easiest to bat and India cannot be counted out given their class bowling attack.

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