India faces a critical challenge as they prepare for the second Test match against New Zealand. The game will start on October 24, 2024, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. After a shock defeat in Bengaluru, where New Zealand broke a 36-year-old record by winning their first Test in India since 1988, the visitors hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. India, known for their dominance at home, is now in a must-win situation to keep their series hopes alive.
Match Preview
The first Test was a nightmare for India, as they were bowled out for just 46 in the first innings, their lowest-ever Test score at home. Despite a fightback in the second innings, where India posted a massive 462 runs, New Zealand comfortably chased down the target of 107 on the fifth day. New Zealand’s remarkable resilience and strong bowling performance from Matt Henry, who took 5/15, and Tim Southee, who scored a fighting fifty down the order in the first innings, were instrumental in the victory. Rachin Ravindra also smashed 134 runs in the first innings.
The Pune pitch is expected to be more spin-friendly than Bengaluru’s, which could allow India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, to play. For New Zealand, the challenge will be to adapt to the slower surface and counter India’s spinners, who could be more effective in these conditions.
Team News
India will likely make a couple of changes for the second Test. Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a neck issue, is expected to return to the top of the order and replace KL Rahul. In the bowling department, Akash Deep could come in for Mohammed Siraj, who had a quiet game in Bengaluru.
On the other hand, New Zealand will stick to their successful combination. With Kane Williamson still sidelined, Tom Latham will continue to lead the team. Michael Bracewell, who returned home for personal reasons, will be replaced by Ish Sodhi in the squad.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.
Key Players
India
- Virat Kohli: Despite the collapse in the first innings, Kohli gave India some stability in the second innings with a composed 70. His ability to tackle pace and spin will be crucial for India to post a competitive total in Pune. Kohli’s leadership and experience in pressure situations will guide the team out of a precarious position.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah was India’s standout bowler in the first Test, especially in New Zealand’s second innings, where he scored 2/29, keeping the pressure on the visitors. His reverse swing could be a game-changer on the slower Pune track, especially as the pitch deteriorates over the five days.
New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra: The young all-rounder was the hero for New Zealand in Bengaluru, scoring a match-winning 134 in the first innings and an unbeaten 39 in the second. His ability to read the game and adapt to subcontinent conditions was evident. Ravindra provided crucial overs with the ball, and he will be essential to New Zealand’s balance going into the second Test.
- Tim Southee: Southee’s leadership of the bowling attack was vital in Bengaluru. While Matt Henry took the headlines, Southee’s contribution with figures of 1/8 in India’s first innings collapse cannot be understated. He also scored a fifty lower down the order in the first innings. His experience in handling pressure and his skill in swinging the ball both ways will make him a key player in Pune, especially with the new ball.
Match Prediction
India will be desperate to turn things around after their unexpected defeat in Bengaluru. With Shubman Gill’s return to the top of the order, India’s batting lineup should be more solid. Additionally, the expected spin-friendly conditions in Pune will likely favor Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who could prove to be the match-winners.
On the other hand, New Zealand will be brimming with confidence after their historic win. However, they will face a different challenge on the Pune track. Their ability to handle India’s spinners, especially Ashwin, could determine the match’s outcome. If New Zealand’s top order can survive the spin threat, they could push India to the limit.
Given India’s resilience at home and their strength in spin, they are slight favourites to level the series in Pune, setting up an exciting decider in the final Test.
