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Less than 24 hours remain as India and New Zealand square off one another in the second and final Test match in Mumbai. The two teams come into the contest on the back end off an entertaining draw in Kanpur. The big news for India comes in the form of Virat Kohli, the Indian captain is back in the fold after missing out on the first Test.
“We will have a discussion with Rahul bhai as to what combination we will go with. The conditions will play a major role in deciding the starting 11. The nature of pitch will have a lot to do with the outcome of the result” the returning captain said in a virtual press conference.
The 33-year-old further added, “Conditions will decide who what combination we have to pick. Conditions on Day 1 could be different from conditions on Day 5 so lots of factors come into consideration. Wankhede wicket has been challenging but at times favors all kinds of conditions so fast bowlers will have something in it, so we are looking forward to it.”
India are expected to make wholesale changes to the playing 11 as captain Kohli returns. There is still uncertainty surrounding who will miss out on the 11 as the team management has a tough task in hand. Ishant Sharma is also expected to keep his place ahead of Siraj, while the latter could still be drafted if India decides to go with three seamers, although this remains an outside option. Shreyas Iyer is also expected to keep his place after scoring a debut hundred.
Speaking about Wriddhiman Saha, Kohli has confirmed that the Bengal wicketkeeper is available for selection. The wicketkeeper who didn’t keep gloves but was available for batting had sustained a neck stiffness. Saha’s inclusion in the team could prolong a much-awaited debut for Srikar Bharat who will once again have to sit on the bench.
Both India and New Zealand are in good shape going into the contest, but the weather will have a major part to play. It’s been overcast conditions in Mumbai for the past couple of days and it will certainly be a factor while selecting the playing 11. It is still undecided with what combination India entered the decider as conditions will play a major role.
