Shubman Gill IN, KL Rahul OUT; Jurel To Replace Pant? India's Likely XI For 2nd Test vs New Zealand (Source: AP)
India suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India fought back hard after being shot down for 46 in the first innings but the effort was not enough to turn the outcome of the Test that was sealed on the first day itself. India will now have to win the following two Tests to win the series.
The second Test will be played from October 24 at Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune. India would want to make a few changes to the combination for the second Test. The team will be in a dilemma over Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck. Sarfaraz replaced Gill in the first Test but he scored a magnificent 150 to script a memorable comeback for team India. It will be very tough for Rohit Sharma to drop Sarfaraz after the effort he put in. KL Rahul could be the one who makes way for Gill. Rahul did not have a great outing and scored a duck in the first innings, followed by 12 in the second innings.
Rishabh Pant batted well and played a 99-run knock, but he did not keep for India after being hit on his knee. Dhruv Jurel took the gloves for India. Pant's fitness will be a concern heading into the second test. India would want Pant to be 100 percent fit before the second Test. If not, Gill could come in place of Pant, with Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul doing the keeping duties.
There is also a lot of talk about Mohammed Siraj, who has not been in the best of form. With Shami not available, and Siraj not performing as per expectations, there is a lot of pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. There could be a possibility of Akash Deep replacing Siraj in the second Test. The match will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune and the pitch there is known for its pacy nature. This opens up the possibility of India playing three seamers, with Akash Deep coming in place for Kuldeep Yadav.
India's Likely XI for 2nd Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
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