"Yeah, there's no point in sugarcoating it, there's a fight for a spot," ten Doeschate told the media when asked if Rahul and Sarfaraz were battling for a place in the team, here at the MCA Stadium ahead of India's training session.

The pressure is mounting on Rahul as Shubman Gill is expected to return and Sarfaraz Khans outstanding form cannot be ignored. The Karnataka-born batter has struggled in the three Test matches India has played on home turf.

With Gill slated to return for the second Test in Pune after India's eight-wicket defeat in Bengaluru, only one of KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan is likely to play in the XI.

Team India's defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru is attributed to poor pitch judgment, a batting collapse, and ineffective bowling. Despite calls for change, former bowler Raju advises retaining KL Rahul,