IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Selection headaches for Rohit and Gambhir as Washington over Kuldeep, Rahul over Sarfaraz debate heats up
As India gears up for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, starting on Thursday, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir face tough decisions in finalizing their playing XI. After a disappointing first Test in Bengaluru, where India was bowled out for just 46 in the first innings, the pressure is on the hosts to make a strong comeback and win the series.
Spinners debate: Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav? With Pune likely to offer a spinning track, the question is whether India will opt for Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav in their playing XI. Washington Sundar adds depth to the batting lineup, something that Kuldeep cannot offer. However, with Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin already in the side, it remains to be seen how India will balance their bowling attack.
Despite the temptation to play just one pacer in Jasprit Bumrah, India is likely to continue with a combination of Bumrah and either Mohammad Siraj or Akash Deep, keeping workload management in mind.
Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul in the middle-order? Even after scoring a 150 in the first Test, Sarfaraz Khan may find himself on the sidelines in favor of KL Rahul, who has struggled with consistency. Rahul’s inclusion in the middle-order has been a talking point, especially with his average of 33 from 53 Tests. It seems, however, that the team management may stick with the experienced Rahul over the promising Sarfaraz, despite the latter’s stellar performance.
WTC final hopes on the line This Test holds immense significance for India. A loss here would not only result in a rare home series defeat, but it would also make India’s path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final extremely difficult, requiring them to win all six remaining matches to qualify for the third consecutive time.
India’s Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj/Akash Deep
New Zealand’s Probable XI: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel