2nd Test between India and New Zealand: Will India be able to level the series?
The second Test match between India and New Zealand is being played at the MCA Stadium in Pune. After the crushing defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India is trying to make a comeback. Captain Rohit Sharma will have to take some important decisions in the batting order, while the role of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can be important on a pitch favorable to spinners. New Zealand will try to maintain the winning momentum despite the absence of their key batsman Kane Williamson.
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INDC Network : Cricket : The second Test match between India and New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune is at an exciting juncture, where India is eyeing a comeback after the defeat in the first Test. In the first Test played in Bengaluru, the Indian team scored only 46 runs in the first innings, giving New Zealand a chance to take the lead. Although India made a comeback by scoring 462 runs in the second innings, it was too late by then, and New Zealand won by eight wickets. After this defeat, India had to lose valuable points in the World Test Championship standings, despite this they remain at the top position.
Selection challenges: Captain Rohit Sharma will have to make some tough decisions regarding team selection, especially regarding the batting order. The Indian top order collapsed in front of New Zealand's fast bowlers in Bengaluru. William O'Rourke, Matt Henry, and experienced Tim Southee thrashed the Indian batsmen. In such a situation, Shubman Gill is likely to return, due to which either KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan may have to sit out.
Rahul's recent form is a matter of concern, while Sarfaraz Khan has forced the selectors to keep his place by scoring a brilliant 150 runs in Bengaluru. Now the question is who will Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid give a chance.
Role of pitch: The Pune pitch will also play an important role in the match. Unlike the fast bowler-friendly surface of Bengaluru, Pune is expected to have low bounce and slow pace, which may favor spinners. The Pune pitch is prepared with black soil, which is helpful for spin bowlers. The Indian team may be preparing to face a turning pitch here, but history says that caution should be exercised.
Lessons from history: In 2016, when Australia defeated India by 333 runs on a similar pitch in Pune, the Indian team suffered a big blow. Apart from this, Australia also defeated India on a turning wicket in Indore last year. Therefore, this time the Indian team will have to use the pitch conditions properly.
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Reliance on the spin department: India's biggest hopes rest on their spin bowlers, especially Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Both these bowlers can play a vital role in the spin-friendly conditions of Pune. Apart from this, Washington Sundar's off-spin can also trouble the Kiwi team's left-handed batsmen, especially players like Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
New Zealand's challenges: The absence of Kane Williamson is a big challenge for the New Zealand team. Without him, the responsibility of strengthening the middle order will be on Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Ravindra's all-round performance and Will Young's persistence at the crease gave New Zealand the lead in the first Test. However, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell will have to face Ashwin and Jadeja, who can prove to be dangerous on a spin-friendly surface.
Focus on fast bowlers: India's fast bowlers will also have to play their role. Mohammed Siraj, who has been struggling recently, may be in danger of losing his place to Akash Deep. Akash has bowled impressively in the net sessions and he may enter this match with the intention of cementing his place. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah's performance will also be important for India's chances.
Indian batting needs improvement: India needs to improve its batting. The pair of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will play an important role in the top order. This will be a golden opportunity for Jaiswal to score big in his Test career. Rohit Sharma is also close to making the record for most sixes in Test cricket. If Rahul does not play in this match, it will be interesting to see which batsmen secure their place in the middle order.
New Zealand's expectations: The New Zealand team performed brilliantly in the first Test. Their fast bowlers troubled the Indian batsmen, and it remains to be seen how they perform on the slow pitch of Pune. Led by captain Tom Latham, the Kiwi team is once again ready to challenge India. William O'Rourke and Matt Henry devastated the Indian batting order in Bengaluru, but it may be difficult for them to get the same success on the Pune pitch.
Weather and playing conditions: Talking about the weather, Pune has received light rain in the last one week, but the chances of rain during the Test are negligible. The players, however, may have to face intense heat. It remains to be seen whether the temperature has any effect on the game.
