India are now in a do-or-die situation in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. The hosts suffered a crushing 8-wicket defeat in the first Test in Bengaluru. After getting bowled out for 46 runs in the first innings, India showed a great fight in the second innings but couldn’t set a big target for New Zealand as the Kiwis registered their first Test win in India after 36 years.
Now, India have no option but to win the second Test to prevent a Test series loss at home after 12 years. The second Test will be played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to 28.
India’s probable playing XI for 2nd NZ Test
Let’s have a look at the Indian probable playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune.
Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to open the innings for India in the second Test. After a poor start in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test, the duo put up a 72-run opening partnership as India made a comeback in the second innings. The two batters have also showed great form in recent times and will look to give a good start to India in Pune.
Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (Wk)
India are likely to go with the same batting line up in middle-order as in the first Test. However, Shubman Gill has been declared fit, but there is no confirmation whether he will return for the 2nd Test. This also means that Virat Kohli will again bat at number 3 in Pune. The right-hander played a good knock of 70 runs in the second innings in Bengaluru. After that, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant can take charge with the bat. The duo ignited a ray of hope in the second innings of the first Test with their 177-run partnership, where Sarfaraz went on to score his maiden Test hundred. Although KL Rahul didn’t have memorable Test match with bat in Bengaluru, the management can still back him for the second Test.
All-Rounders: Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin
India could make a big change in their playing XI by replacing Ravindra Jadeja within Washington Sundar in the second Test. Just a few hours after India’s defeat in the first Test, Sundar was added to the Indian squad for the remaining two matches and is likely to be featured in the playing XI. India can use Sundar to tackle New Zealand middle-order. Apart from that he can also put up some good score with the bat. Along with him, Ravichandran Ashwin will continue to play in the second Test.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Kuldeep Yadav is likely to continue as third spinner along with Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin in the second Test in Pune. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will continue as fast bowling spearheads against New Zealand.