The second Test between India and New Zealand is set to begin on Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, with India aiming to level the series after an 8-wicket loss in the first Test. The match holds critical importance, as India needs to win the remaining two Tests to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final. The second Test match will kick off from October 24 till October 28.
Fitness Updates
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has all but confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be fit to take the gloves for this crucial match. Pant, who sustained a blow to his knee in the first Test, has reportedly recovered and participated in extensive training sessions without any discomfort. Dhruv Jurel had been considered as a backup in case Pant wasn’t fit, but the star keeper-batter looks ready for action.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, is also expected to return to the XI. Ten Doeschate said Gill had trained well in Bengaluru and Pune, and despite some lingering discomfort, he is fit enough to feature in the second Test. Gill’s return creates a selection conundrum for the Indian management, as Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced him in the first Test, scored a match-saving 150 in the second innings.
Selection Dilemma
With Gill returning to the lineup, the Indian team faces a tough choice of who to drop. KL Rahul, who has been a key performer in recent months, struggled in the first Test with two low scores. However, according to Ten Doeschate, there are no concerns about Rahul’s form, and the management has confidence in him. Yet, Sarfaraz’s standout performance might tilt the scales in his favour.
“We have seven pieces and only six spots,” said Ten Doeschate, acknowledging the challenge of fitting the right players into the team. The decision could come down to the final assessment of conditions and strategy, but Sarfaraz’s recent form gives him a strong case to retain his spot.
Likely Playing XIs
India:
Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand:
Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke
Dream 11 Predictions
- Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant, Devon Conway
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Ravichandran Ashwin
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ajaz Patel, Mohammed Siraj
Weather Forecast
The weather in Pune is expected to remain mostly clear throughout the five days of the Test, with temperatures ranging between 24°C to 33°C. The humidity is likely to increase as the match progresses, but rain is not expected to play a significant role, ensuring an uninterrupted contest between the two sides.
India’s defeat in the first Test marked their first home loss to New Zealand since 1988. With the series and a World Test Championship final berth on the line, the pressure is on India to bounce back strongly. For New Zealand, a win would seal a historic series victory in India, putting them in a commanding position.
India’s bowlers had little workload in the first Test, which will keep them fresh for the second encounter. If Pant and Gill perform at their best and the bowling attack fires, India stands a strong chance to even the series and carry momentum into the final Test.