Indian team management have made three changes in their starting XI for the IND vs NZ second Test match, which is held at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. KL Rahul has to sit outside of the field despite the support of head coach Gautam Gambhir and team management.
For India, it’s a much win game for them to comeback in the series after the defeat at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswami stadium. India have made a total of three changes for the second Test match starting today. New Zealand captain Tom Latham chose to bat first. As per reports, Pune’s surface can be spin-friendly, and there is no chance of rain according to the weather forecast. So pitch will get drier as day progresses. It is understandable why Tom Latham, who is New Zealand’s test team captain, has choose batting first.
The toss can play a vital role in this match. Washington Sundar, who can provide more spin power, make a comeback into the India’s test eleven. Sundar comes in place of Kuldeep Yadav. KL Rahul finding his form, drops from this important match. Shubman Gill who had to suffered a stiff neck, makes a comeback into the Team, and he will be batting at number 3. Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his first international hundred in the first test against New Zealand has found his place in playing XI.
Experience spinner dropped from the starting eleven for Washington Sundar. Sundar has all-round abilities and can contribute with bat and ball, recently, he has made a ton in a Ranji Trophy match. Making no pact in the first Test, Mohammed Siraj drops to make place for Akash Deep.
India starting XI against New Zealand, 2nd Test, Pune: R Sharma (c), Y Jaiswal, V Kohli, R Pant (wk), S Gill, S Khan, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, A Deep, W Sundar, J Bumrah.
New Zealand Playing XI: T Latham (c), D Conway, W Young, R Ravindra, D Mitchell, T Blundell (wk), G Phillips, T Southee, M Santner, W O’Rourke, A Patel.