The Indian cricket team, fresh off an eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand, is facing a pivotal moment as they prepare for the second Test in Pune. The team’s management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is determined to turn the tide and secure a crucial victory in the series. With a place in the World Test Championship final hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for India to bounce back.
The match is set to take place on a low-bounce black-soil pitch, a stark contrast to the relatively benign track in Bengaluru. This change in conditions has prompted a series of selection headaches for Gambhir and his team.
One key area of concern for India is their bowling lineup. The performance of the Indian bowlers in the first Test came under scrutiny, leading to calls for changes. Washington Sundar has been brought into the squad, likely to counter New Zealand’s formidable lineup of left-handed batters. This could potentially see the experienced Kuldeep Yadav sitting out, with a similar dilemma facing the team’s fast bowlers. Akash Deep could replace Mohammed Siraj as Jasprit Bumrah’s new-ball partner, with the team seeking a winning formula on the turning wicket.
The middle-order batting also presents a challenge. Sarfaraz Khan, recently blessed with a newborn baby, has joined the team and is in top form. He, along with Shubman Gill, are pushing for a spot in the lineup, potentially putting the pressure on KL Rahul, who has struggled to make an impact in the series so far.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is also facing selection dilemmas. With the pitch expected to favor spin, they are likely to include an extra spinner in the form of Mitchell Santner or Ish Sodhi, alongside the regular choice Ajaz Patel. This means one of their fast bowlers, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, or William O’Rourke, who were instrumental in the first Test, will have to miss out.
Despite the challenges, India has a history of overcoming early setbacks. They have previously lost the first Test in a series and still managed to win the series outright. The team will be hoping to replicate this feat in Pune, with a strong performance needed to keep their World Test Championship aspirations alive. This match is a crucial stepping stone on the road to the five-Test series against Australia later this year, and a win here would be a huge boost for the team’s confidence.