IND vs NZ: Will Shubman Gill play 2nd test? Captain Rohit Sharma provides injury update

Shubman Gill missed the first IND vs NZ test due to neck stiffness.

India lost the first IND vs NZ test that was played in Bengaluru by eight wickets. The match saw India getting bowled out for their third-lowest total in test cricket and the lowest at home of 46 runs in their first innings after captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first under overcast conditions and on a moist pitch.

The New Zealand ran riot in India’s first innings with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke sharing nine wickets. Then, a century from Rachin Ravindra and half-centuries from Devon Conway and Tim Southee bolstered New Zealand’s position as they took a 356-run lead.

India staged a fightback with fifties from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and then 150 from Sarfaraz Khan and 99 from Rishabh Pant. However, their collapse of 54/7 meant they could set a target of only 107 runs, which the Kiwis gunned down comfortably.

The action now moves onto the second test in Pune, which is scheduled to kick off on October 24. Responding to this loss, India are expected to make at least one change to their playing XI as captain Rohit has given a positive update on the injured Shubman Gill.

Will Shubman Gill play 2nd test against New Zealand in Pune?

Gill missed the Bengaluru test due to neck stiffness, but is expected to return for the second test in Pune. After the first test, Rohit Sharma said in the press conference, “Shubman Gill seems okay at this point of time.”

Gill was also seen practising in the centre wicket at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the first test was completed.

If indeed Gill returns to the line-up, then the most likely player to be replaced will be KL Rahul, who managed scores of 0 and 12 in Bengaluru. However, Rohit had earlier labelled Rahul to be a long-term No. 6 batsman in the side, especially with the Australia tour in mind.

With Sarfaraz cracking 150, it would be really difficult for the management to make a space for Gill’s return.

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