As the second Test match between India and New Zealand approaches, set to begin on Thursday in Pune, in the ongoing three-match series, the spotlight is going to be on team India, who will head into the clash on the back of a defeat in the first Test. After a dominant performance in the first game, where New Zealand secured a comprehensive victory to lead the series 1-0, the second game holds huge importance. The defeat has left India eager to regroup and come back strongly.
New Zealand’s audacious performance in the first Test showcased their batting and bowling depth, leaving India in lurch with significant areas to address. India, who have been so dominant on home soil, will be looking to delve into their strengths, focusing on both batting partnerships and cohesive bowling attack.
In the first Test, India recorded their lowest total on home ground, being bowled out for 46 in their first innings after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma decided to bat. The stakes are high for the Indian team as they aim to level the series. India are likely to make few changes to their XI given the importance of this match.
New Zealand, on the other side, created history by winning the first Test as it was their first win on Indian soil since 1988. New Zealand enjoyed outstanding performances from their players in both batting and bowling departments.
Rachin Ravindra was terrific with the bat, while Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke churned out brilliant spells. Kiwis would want to replicate their first match’s performance into the second match as well in order to seal the series.
India probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin,Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand probable XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke