India captain Rohit Sharma kept the KL Rahul versus Shubman Gill debate open on the eve of the third Test, saying the former’s removal as vice-captain doesn’t indicate anything and the management will continue to back the players with “potential”.

Rohit and Gill batted in adjacent nets at the optional practice session on Tuesday, while Rahul chose to stay back at the hotel with the majority of the squad. Both Gill and Rahul had batted simultaneously during Monday’s training session.

Rahul, who has failed to cross the 25-run mark in his last 10 Test innings, was removed as vice-captain following the second Test in New Delhi, raising hopes of a change for the remaining two games. Rohit, though, kept the suspense going till the very end.

“I spoke about it after the last game as well. Players, who are going through a tough time, will be given enough time to prove themselves considering their potential,” Rohit said on Tuesday.

“Being vice-captain or otherwise doesn’t tell you anything. At that point in time, he was the vice-captain. His removal as vice-captain doesn’t indicate anything.”

When asked about the preparation of both Gill and Rahul, Rohit added: “That’s how they train before any game. It was an optional session today (Tuesday). And as for the XI, I would like to say it at the toss. I prefer it that way considering last-minute injuries are a possibility.”