IND vs NZ: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in 2nd test, Pune

New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the IND vs NZ three-test series in Bengaluru.

With an eight-wicket win in Bengaluru, not only did New Zealand take an early lead in the three-test IND vs NZ series, but also they registered their first test win on Indian soil in 36 years, and only their third overall.

This was also India’s third test match loss at home since 2023. In contrast, they lost only two home test matches from 2013 to the end of 2022.

The second test match will get underway on Thursday in Pune, where a slow and turning pitch is expected, opposite to the pace-friendly conditions in Bengaluru, where New Zealand thrived.

The contests between individual players will be more exciting in the IND vs NZ 2nd test in Pune after India’s loss in the first test.

IND vs NZ: Top five key battles to watch out for in 2nd test, Pune

1. Virat Kohli vs William O’Rourke

William O’Rourke made huge noise in Bengaluru as he took seven wickets in the game, one of which was that of Virat Kohli for a duck in India’s first innings. O’Rourke dismissed Kohli with a terrific ball that kicked off from the pitch, a function of the pacer’s height.

Kohli, though, rode the bounce well in the second innings to score 70 off 102 balls. Over the last couple of tests, he’s shown glimpses of returning to his best. India need a big one from Kohli’s bat soon, and so does the batsman himself. That could happen in Pune but the lanky O’Rourke might stand in his way again.

2. Rachin Ravindra vs R Ashwin

R Ashwin had one of the worst home test matches of his entire career in Bengaluru. In New Zealand’s first innings, he conceded at an economy of 5.9 across his 16 overs as the Kiwi batsmen, in particular the centurion Rachin Ravindra, attacked him.

In New Zealand’s second innings, Rohit Sharma didn’t give Ashwin the ball until the 25th over, when the game was effectively lost. Ashwin’s status and ego might have been severely hurt in Bengaluru, and he would be desperate to bounce back in Pune.

3. Devon Conway vs Jasprit Bumrah

Had India won the first IND vs NZ test, they might have thought of resting Jasprit Bumrah from the second test. But now, India need him to deliver the opening blows in Pune.

Conway and Bumrah had an intense battle in Bengaluru where the pacer constantly beat Conway’s edges and also hit a few blows on his body. Conway survived it all in the first innings to score 91, but fell to Bumrah in the second innings.

4. Rishabh Pant vs Ajaz Patel

In Bengaluru, Pant smoked Ajaz Patel for two sixes and a four. This is set to be a compelling battle as Pant would want to take on left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. Patel won’t mind Pant stepping out and trying to whack him because the pitch in Pune will offer him turn and grip.

Even if Patel gets hit for a few boundaries by Pant, he would keep tossing up the ball in the hope of one mistimed shot or a stumping chance.

5. Ravindra Jadeja vs Will Young

Even in Bengaluru, where the pitch was good for batting, Jadeja looked potent with the ball. His threat would be more pronounced in Pune.

India would want their premier left-arm spinner to dislodge Will Young cheaply. In Bengaluru, Young played two solid knocks of 33 (73) and 48* (76), attacking on the Indian spinners in the second innings. Jadeja won’t mind a few more sweep shot attempts from Young in Pune as long as he targets the stumps.

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