Team India faces an upbeat New Zealand in the second Test match in Pune
Following the Bengaluru Test drubbing where India’s top performers struggled, Rohit Sharma‘s team is aiming to regroup as they face New Zealand, who are eager to make history in the second Test in Pune.
After India’s batting collapsed to a mere 46 runs in the first innings of the first Test match, the Men in Blue were left shocked as New Zealand turned on the heat.
Team India will definitely be under pressure in the second Test as they seek the correct formula for win, with the Kiwis holding the advantage and a place in the World Test Championship final on the line. Rohit Sharma and his team will be aiming to win the next two Tests before they travel to Australia for a five-Test series next month.
India’s new approach in Red Ball Cricket
Ever since Gautam Gambhir became the head coach of the Indian Test team, there has been an evident change in the team’s strategy for the longest format of the game.
Famous for his tough mentality as a player, Gambhir has encouraged his team to adopt a “play to win” mindset, focusing on an aggressive, outcome-driven strategy. This fresh mindset has been evident in recent games, showing that India is prepared to battle until the final ball is delivered.
Also read: Sarfaraz Khan announces his arrival with scintillating hundred at Bengaluru
India achieved one of their most memorable wins in Kanpur during the second Test against Bangladesh. Even though almost three days of play were disrupted by rain, Gambhir’s team did not accept a draw. India exerted significant pressure during the limited playing time, achieving a notable victory that highlighted their determination to push for a result.
Reflecting on the team’s fighting spirit in the match against New Zealand, Gambhir explained that they could have easily chosen to play conservatively. “Had we decided to bat two and a half days, then probably, our guys would have batted much differently. But the intention was always to make the game out of it, irrespective of how much behind we are of the game. For me, that’s always good because draws are boring,” Gambhir stated, highlighting his commitment to playing attacking cricket.
India’s selection dilemma for Pune Test
India has a headache ahead of the Pune Test as Shubman Gill reemerges on the scene. The youngster couldn’t play in Bengaluru because of a neck sprain, but he is said to be eager to play in the Pune Test.
Gill’s comeback has presented India with a significant and challenging dilemma. Who will clear path for him? KL Rahul, whose performance has been inconsistent in recent Test? Could it be Sarfaraz Khan, the player with a scorching bat, who scored a vital 150 in Bengaluru?
Gautam Gambhir is determined to give KL Rahul a long run despite Sarfaraz’s persistent efforts to prevent his removal. Making the right decision is crucial, as the team’s stability hinges on this decision.
“Shubman Gill isn’t coming into the side, he was already there. He was injured in the last match. It’s not the case that he’s new to the team. Because of the injury, he didn’t play the last match. He had an issue with his neck. Given how he performed against Bangladesh, he will come back into the playing XI. The rest of the team will be decided tomorrow (Thursday morning before toss),” Gambhir said in the pre-Test talk to the media.
Also read: Virat Kohli reaches 9,000 Test runs as Team India fights back in Bengaluru
New Zealand on the verge of making history
Almost within reach for New Zealand is a rare Test series win in India, just across the aisle. Having dominated India in Bengaluru, they look quite confident. Guided by the calm and collective Tom Latham, supported by Devon Conway and the shinning talent of Rachin Ravindra, they appear increasingly threatening as time goes on.
Despite Kane Williamson being absent in two of the three Tests on this tour, New Zealand have delivered impressive performance. Will Young has demonstrated resolve in the middle order, adding to Ravindra’s excellent displays. Nevertheless, the team anticipates additional input from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell, in addition to wishing for other players to imitate Tim Southee’s accomplishments in the first innings of the initial Test match.
Will they rewrite history books is there to be seen..
