Colombo: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill to continue backing an underfire India batter, insisting that the player has the ability to deliver for the team.
Rahane’s comments come at a crucial stage of India’s Test campaign, with the team preparing for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. India currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after a convincing 165-run victory in the opening Test at Galle.
The Indian team has undergone a major transition in Test cricket, with Gill taking over the captaincy and several established players no longer part of the red-ball setup. In such a period, performances from every member of the batting line-up are under close scrutiny.
The identity of the underfire player has become a major talking point, with Rahane making it clear that patience and support from the team management can be important when a batter is going through a difficult period.
Rahane backs India’s underfire batter
Rahane believes that the player in question should be given sufficient opportunities to regain confidence and rhythm.
According to the former India captain, backing a player during a difficult phase can be crucial because a batter’s confidence can have a direct impact on performance.
Rather than making frequent changes after a few low scores, Rahane’s approach is to allow the player to settle into the team and work through the technical and mental challenges associated with Test cricket.
His message to Gambhir and Gill is particularly relevant because both are still establishing themselves in their respective leadership roles.
India in a period of transition
Indian Test cricket is currently going through a significant rebuilding phase.
Gill has been entrusted with the captaincy at a relatively young age, while Gambhir has taken charge of the coaching setup.
The new leadership group is expected to develop a team capable of competing consistently across the World Test Championship cycle.
That process inevitably involves giving opportunities to players who may not immediately produce big numbers.
Rahane’s advice reflects the importance of maintaining stability while building a new Test side.
Galle victory gives India confidence
India’s 165-run victory in the first Test provided an encouraging start to the Sri Lanka series.
Chasing a target of 372, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 on the final day at Galle.
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer with the ball. He claimed 6/55 in the second innings and finished the match with 10 wickets.
The result gave India a 1-0 advantage and strengthened their position in the ongoing World Test Championship campaign.
However, the victory did not completely remove questions about individual batting performances.
Pressure on India’s batting unit
Test cricket can be particularly unforgiving for batters going through a lean patch.
A player may need several innings to rediscover timing and confidence, especially when facing high-quality international bowling.
India’s current batting group contains a mixture of established names and younger players, meaning the management must carefully balance immediate results with long-term development.
Rahane’s intervention suggests that he believes the underfire batter has enough quality to turn things around.
His experience as a former India captain gives added weight to the argument for patience.
Why backing matters in Test cricket
Unlike limited-overs cricket, Test cricket gives players the opportunity to spend significant time at the crease.
However, that advantage can disappear when a batter enters the middle under intense pressure.
Every failure can increase scrutiny, while uncertainty over selection can make it harder for a player to settle.
A clear indication from the captain and coach that a player remains part of the team’s plans can therefore be valuable.
Rahane’s message is effectively that the management should trust the player’s ability and allow him the opportunity to respond on the field.
Gill and Gambhir face selection decisions
The second Test in Colombo will give Gill and Gambhir another opportunity to assess their squad.
India have several players competing for places, particularly as the team builds towards a demanding series of Tests later in the World Test Championship cycle.
The management must decide whether to maintain the winning combination from Galle or make changes based on conditions, workload and individual form.
For an underfire player, selection in the second Test would represent an important opportunity to respond to criticism.
A strong performance could quickly change the narrative.
India’s long-term WTC challenge
The Sri Lanka series is only one part of India’s broader World Test Championship campaign.
India began the series in fifth position and improved their points percentage after winning the Galle Test.
However, their route to the WTC final remains challenging.
India have already lost several matches in the current cycle and therefore have limited room for further mistakes.
The team is scheduled to play New Zealand later in the year before hosting Australia for a five-Test series.
Consistent performances from the batting unit will be essential if India are to remain in contention.
Rahane’s own experience of pressure
Rahane understands the challenges facing players during difficult periods.
During his international career, he experienced both outstanding success and prolonged periods of scrutiny over his batting form.
His performances in overseas Tests, particularly during India’s successful campaigns abroad, demonstrated the value of experience and confidence.
As a former captain, Rahane also understands the importance of creating an environment in which players feel trusted.
That background explains why his call for Gambhir and Gill to back the underfire player carries significance.
A chance to respond in Colombo
The second Test against Sri Lanka begins on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
India will be looking to complete a 2-0 series victory, while Sri Lanka will be determined to respond after the defeat in Galle.
For the underfire Indian batter, the match could become an important opportunity to change the conversation.
A substantial innings would not only help India but could also demonstrate that the management’s decision to retain faith was justified.
Conclusion
Ajinkya Rahane’s call for Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to back India’s underfire star highlights the importance of patience during a period of transition.
India have made an excellent start to their Sri Lanka tour, but the team management still faces difficult decisions over individual form and selection.
Rahane believes the player has the quality to deliver and that continued support could help unlock his potential.
With the second Test approaching in Colombo, the spotlight will now be firmly on India’s batting unit. If the underfire batter responds with a major contribution, Rahane’s backing could prove to have been well timed.