In the opening Test of the three-match series, India was crushed by New Zealand by eight wickets at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After being bowled out for 46 in the first innings, India mounted a valiant fightback, but their efforts were in vain as the result of the Test was already decided on the first day. To win the series, India will now need to win the next two Tests.
Starting on October 24, the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune will host the second Test. In preparation for the second Test, India might want to alter the lineup a little. Shubman Gill, who was forced to miss the first Test because of a stiff neck, will present a dilemma for the team.
In the first Test, Sarfaraz came in for Gill, and he produced an incredible 150 to lead the Indian team to a respectable second-inning score. After all of Sarfaraz's hard work, it will be extremely difficult for Rohit Sharma to drop him. It might be KL Rahul who gives way to Gill. Rahul had a poor performance, scoring 12 in the second innings after scoring a duck in the first.
Rishabh Pant did not keep for India while hitting his knee, despite his impressive 99-run knock while batting. For India, Dhruv Jurel donned the gloves. Prior to the second test, Pant's fitness will be a problem. India would want that Pant to be fully recovered. If not, Gill might start in place of Pant, with KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan handling the keeper responsibilities.
Additionally, Mohammed Siraj, who has not been playing well, is a topic of much discussion. Jasprit Bumrah is under a lot of strain since Shami is unavailable and Siraj is not cutting it. Akash Deep might be able to take Siraj's place in the second Test. The Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune, where the game will be played, has a reputation for having a fast pitch. This gives India the option to use three seamers, which opens the door for Akash Deep to replace Kuldeep Yadav.
India's Likely XI for 2nd Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
