Tom Latham won the toss, and New Zealand opted to bat first in Pune for the second Test against India. Following a rare home defeat in the first Test, India made three significant changes to their lineup. Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep were brought in, replacing KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.
India, reeling from their shocking defeat in the first Test in Bengaluru, are eager for a comeback. Despite their spirited response in the second innings, scoring 462 after being bundled out for just 46 in the first, the damage was done. New Zealand claimed an eight-wicket victory, causing India to lose important points in the World Test Championship standings, although they remain at the top of the table.
Selection Dilemmas for India
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, had to address key selection issues, particularly within the batting order. The team’s top-order collapse in the first innings, under pressure from New Zealand’s pace trio of William O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Tim Southee, exposed their vulnerabilities. With Shubman Gill returning to the side, either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan was expected to miss out. Rahul’s inconsistency has been a concern, while Sarfaraz’s fighting 150 in Bengaluru made a strong case for his inclusion.
Pune’s Pitch – A Spin Battle on the Cards?
The pitch at Pune’s MCA Stadium is expected to behave differently from the seam-friendly surface in Bengaluru. Pune’s pitch, known for its black soil composition, is likely to favor spin rather than pace, which could play into India’s hands. There may be a temptation to prepare a rank turner, but caution is advised. India was dealt a heavy defeat on a similar surface in 2016 when Australia beat them by 333 runs, and in Indore last year, Australia triumphed again on a turning track.
India’s spinners will be key to their chances of leveling the series. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to exploit Pune’s spin-friendly conditions, while Washington Sundar’s off-spin could prove crucial against New Zealand’s left-handers like Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
New Zealand’s Middle-Order Challenge
New Zealand will continue to miss Kane Williamson in the middle order, but the team’s confidence is high after their impressive performance in Bengaluru. Rachin Ravindra’s all-round display and Will Young’s resilience have strengthened their hand, although they will need Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell to step up, especially against India’s formidable spin attack.
India’s Fast Bowling Conundrum
India’s pace attack will also need to deliver, despite the expected focus on spin. Mohammed Siraj’s recent struggles led to his exclusion, with Akash Deep likely to make his Test debut. Jasprit Bumrah remains crucial to India’s plans, and his leadership in the fast-bowling department will be essential.
The stage is set for a highly competitive contest in Pune. India will aim to bounce back from their missteps in Bengaluru and regain their home dominance, while New Zealand will be eager to maintain their momentum and secure a historic series win on Indian soil.
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