Pune: The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to face off against New Zealand in the second Test match of their series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday.
The Indian team, having suffered an eight-wicket defeat in their first game in Bengaluru, is poised to make a comeback in the three-match Test series. Conversely, New Zealand is determined to maintain the momentum gained from their historic victory in the inaugural match of the series.
The pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is anticipated to be characterized by its slow and low turner conditions, which are favorable for spinners, particularly in the event that the match extends to the final day.
In response to the recent defeat against New Zealand in the first Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to include Washington Sundar in the squad for the second and third Tests.
This strategic move is a testament to Sundar's exceptional performance in the ongoing Elite Group D Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. Sundar's remarkable innings of 152 runs off 269 balls, highlighted by 19 fours and a six, at number three, a position he does not typically bat in, was a defining moment in the match.
Renowned for his versatility, Sundar has established himself as a formidable all-rounder. In his Test career, he has scored 265 runs across four Tests and six innings, with an impressive average of 66.25. His notable achievements include three fifties, with a high score of 96 not out.
During the pre-match press conference, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, emphasized the significance of the upcoming two matches in the series. He expressed the team's determination to focus on these two Test matches, considering them as equally important as any other Test match, whether it be in India or Australia.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham has indicated that following their victory against India in Bengaluru, the team is poised to commence the Pune Test with a fresh start.
"It is crucial that we maintain the focus and confidence garnered from our recent success in Bengaluru, and translate that into our performance in this match. However, it is important to acknowledge that both teams are starting from a position of zero, and that remains the case for both teams tomorrow," Latham remarked.
India Squad: The lineup for India includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel.
New Zealand Squad: The New Zealand team is led by captain Tom Latham, with Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy.
