IND vs NZ: 3 changes India need to make in playing 11 for 2nd test in Pune

The second IND vs NZ test will be played from October 24 in Pune.

The New Zealand cricket team started their India tour on a memorable note. The Black Caps thrashed the Asian Giants by eight wickets in Bengaluru in the opening match of the three-match test series. It was a historic win for New Zealand, as it was their first test win over India in India since 1988.

Talking about the Bengaluru test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opted to bat first. His decision backfired as India were blown away for 46 runs, their third-lowest total in test cricket, as Matt Henry bagged five wickets.

In reply, Rachin Ravindra slammed a wonderful century that guided New Zealand to 402 runs. In the hosts’ second innings, Sarfaraz Khan played a fighting knock of 150, while Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant made half-centuries.

At one point, India were at 408-3 but they collapsed to 462-10 and set a target of 107 runs. The Black Caps chased down the target with eight wickets in hand to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match test series.

After a defeat in Bengaluru, it might be expected that the Indian cricket team would make some changes in their playing XI for the second test match in Pune. The second test will be played from October 24 to 28.

Three changes India should make in their playing XI for the 2nd test against New Zealand in Pune:

1. Shubman Gill IN – KL Rahul OUT

Shubhman Gill missed the first test match in Bengaluru due to neck stiffness. The talented batsman is expected to make his comeback in the second test in Pune.

In order to bring back Gill to the playing XI, middle-order batter KL Rahul is the likeliest player to make the way. Rahul had a poor outing with the bat in Bengaluru as he registered 0 and 12, while Sarfaraz slammed a century and the youngster should be retained.

2. Axar Patel IN – Kuldeep Yadav OUT

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel could be roped into the side in place of Kuldeep Yadav for the second test match against New Zealand.

Axar has been a consistent performer for his side with both bat and ball whenever he has had opportunities. Kuldeep was ordinary with the ball in Bengaluru: though he picked up three first-innings wickets, he conceded at an economy of 5.4 in the first innings and 8.7 in the second.

Apart from his tidy bowling, Axar is a significant contributor with the bat and has scored crucial runs several times in his nascent test career for India.

3. Akash Deep IN – Mohammed Siraj OUT

Mohammed Siraj was a huge letdown for India as the conditions were stacked to favour the pacers. The pacer just took two wickets in the match. Further, in 14 test innings at home this year, Siraj has picked up 12 wickets at an average of 42.83.

Siraj might be benched for the Pune test. In place of him, speedster Akash Deep could get a chance. Deep has been impressive in this three test matches, in which he snared eight wickets at an average of 23.

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