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Xtra Time Web Desk: Head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his full support behind KL Rahul, despite the latter’s struggles in the opening Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rahul managed scores of 0 and 12, falling victim to fast bowler William O’Rourke in both innings, prompting criticism for failing to deliver.

However, Gambhir was quick to dismiss the backlash from social media, emphasizing that Rahul’s experience remains invaluable to the team. Gambhir highlighted Rahul’s 68 off 43 balls in a tough match against Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur, as a testament to his skill.

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“Social media does not matter one bit. What the team management and leadership group thinks is very important. He is batting really well, had a decent knock in Kanpur (against Bangladesh on a difficult wicket)," Gambhir said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test at the MCA Stadium in Pune, which starts on October 24.

Drawing from his own international experience from 2004 to 2016, Gambhir acknowledged the pressures of performing at the highest level, noting that being ‘judged’ is part of the game.

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"I am sure he would be knowing that he has to score big runs and he has capability of scoring runs. That's why he has been backed by the team...Ultimately, everyone is judged. International cricket is all about being judged," Gambhir added.

Despite losing the first Test by eight wickets after a first-innings collapse for 46, India remains at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings with 98 points from eight wins in 12 matches.