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India’s Squad Changes, Challenges for 2nd Test vs New Zealand

India’s Squad Changes and Challenges for the Second Test Against New Zealand

 

India today named the squad for the second and third Tests against New Zealand; Washington Sundar is the only one added to the team. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has come in as an additional choice, and he will go in for the second Test in Pune. This would begin on October 24. Established all-rounders include Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel in the 16-member squad for the games to come. The BCCI did not say anything regarding the justification of the inclusion, and in its wake, the fans and analysts went on to speculate about the thinking behind such a decision.

Bengaluru Test: India were defeated by eight wickets against New Zealand. India was bowled out for a poor score of 46 in their first innings. In a thrilling second innings from Sarfaraz Khan, who remained unbeaten at 150, India fought back hard but still could not overcome the damage done, and New Zealand took the lead with one-nil in the three-match Test series. To keep hopes alive for a series win, India must win the remaining two Tests.

Selection and form issues have been building up to the second Test from this lead. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant suffered a knee injury while batting in the first Test, and his availability remains uncertain. There was a valuable 99 from Pant, but he needs to be assessed on whether he will be fit enough to resume behind the stumps before the match. Dhruv Jurel is behind the stumps in the first Test. The playing XI may need to be changed, though, if Pant does not recover fully for the second Test. While Shubman Gill had a stiff neck and sat out the first game, he could replace Pant in the batting line-up and KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan could share wicket-keeping duties.

The batting line-up, though, maybe another area the management may need to rethink. While Sarfaraz Khan excelled in the first Test, there is little doubt about him sitting back and relaxing as he is almost a certainty to continue. A spot confusion situation may prevail though if Shubman Gill gets picked for the second Test. Poor form to the tune of 12 runs across both innings will go badly against KL Rahul, making him an easy candidate to step down for Gill.

The bowling attack, too, draws attention. Mohammed Siraj has not been great with his recent outings and all hopes lie on Jasprit Bumrah as Mohammed Shami is ruled out for the series. A fast pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune will give India ample opportunity to go for a three-seamer ploy, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav could replace Akash Deep from the playing XI. Akash Deep can provide that much-needed support with his pace and swing and change the dynamic of the bowling attack.

Buoyed by their relatively strong showing in the first Test, New Zealand would look to cash in on it. The response from India in the second Test will be crucial and the inclusion of Washington Sundar to further beef up the side points out that the team management is weighing its options tactically. According to Sundar, his batting and bowling can be used as a depth requirement in case the conditions change during the game or the match situation demands a shift from one end to another.

New Zealand, buoyed up by a good showing in the first Test, will look for the same continuity. India’s answer to it will be crucial, and it seems that the team management is thinking along multiple tactical lines that prompted them to bring in Washington Sundar. His batting as well as his bowling can be of great use for the team, at least giving the bowlers an alternative if the circumstances or match situation demands a few changes during the game.

Fans cannot wait for this exciting contest and expect India to deliver a better show compared to the last time. Witnessing the action live is something that lures fans more, and the facilities offered by companies such as Winexch allow cricket fans to “watch live cricket free” with the latest up-to-date experience.

 

FAQ

  • What changes have there been in India’s team from the previous one for the second and third tests?

The only change India has made in the team for the second and third Test against New Zealand is Washington Sundar.

 

  • What challenges might India face in the second test?

Among key issues, the selection would involve a fitness assessment of Rishabh Pant; between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, there can be a tough call for the batting order; and in bowling, it would require careful selection in the light of Mohammed Siraj’s form.

 

  • Which added Washington Sundar to the team?

While the BCCI did not elaborate on the reasons for his addition, a second contribution could be an all-rounder Sundar, who added depth to both batting and bowling.

 

  • What could India take into the contest at Pune in the second Test?

Since the pitch in Pune is a quick one, India may opt for a three-seamer approach and may drop Kuldeep Yadav and include Akash Deep.

 

  • Where can fans watch the Test series live?

Fans can “watch live cricket for free” on platforms like Winexch to get themselves engrossed with all the matches being played and keep themselves updated with the series.

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