Ryan ten Doeshcate, India’s assistant coach, disclosed the fitness details of India’s batter Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. While Gill missed the first Test in Bengaluru which India lost by eight wickets, Dhruv Jurel was called to keep wickets after Pant got injured during the match. However, the Delhi-born did bat and scored 99 in India’s second innings.
"Rishabh's pretty good. I think Rohit [Sharma] touched on it the other day. He was having a little bit of discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed he'll be good to keep in this Test as well,” the Dutchman said two days ahead of the second Test, beginning October 24.
As for Gill, ten Doeschate believes that he will be fit ahead of the second Test of the series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Neck stiffness had ruled the batter out in the first game and he was replaced by Sarfaraz Khan.
"He batted last week in Bangalore, he had a few nets. He's got a little bit of discomfort, but I think he will be good to go for the Test,” he said.
Doubts were also raised about Ravichandran Ashwin’s fitness after he bowled only two overs in New Zealand’s second innings. But ten Doeschate was quick enough to sway any doubts over India’s premier off-spinner even as Washington Sundar, another off-break bowler, was added to the squad.
"Ashwin's fine. He's fine. He bowled nicely. I know he bowled only two overs in the second innings, but it looked like his pace and his rhythm were back to where they needed to be."
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