The second Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand (IND vs NZ) has started in Bengaluru. In this match, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to bat first.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has made three changes in the match, where Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep have got a chance in place of KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj respectively. On the other hand, Mitchell Santner has been given a chance in place of fast bowler Matt Henry in the match in New Zealand. Henry’s non-play is a relief news for Team India, as he troubled the Indian team fiercely in Bengaluru. Henry is not part of this match due to injury.
The pitch in Pune has traditionally been spinner-friendly. In such a situation, the decision to include Santner in the team can prove to be a boon for the Kiwi team. The decision to include Santner in the team proves that the New Zealand team knows the nature of the pitch. Henry’s speed and seam movement could have been a big threat to Team India, but Santner’s flight and turn can open the way to victory for the team.
Santner’s ability is not hidden from anyone, where he has helped team to win with his bowling many times. New Zealand will hope that Santner will perform well, so that his dream of defeating India in India can be fulfilled.
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.