IND vs NZ 2nd Test: There’s no scenario that calls for desperate measures more than the aftermath of a defeat, when the team management must pick a playing XI that can turn the tide. The Indian team management now faces this challenge, an unusual position considering they’re playing at home, and like the players, selectors have to perform at their peak level. This means they have to set aside emotions and select a playing XI that can deliver and win the second Test match.
That may be harsh on some players and might seem like a desperate measure, but India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has claimed that the management will pick the best possible team, keeping in mind the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
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IND vs NZ 2nd Test: What might be India’s playing 11 in 2nd test against New Zealand?
India included all-rounder Washington Sundar in the squad for the second Test match. Though Washington has been in solid form in the Ranji Trophy, his inclusion did raise eyebrows, considering India already has four spinners in the squad. However, Ryan ten Doeschate explained that Washington was included because he can be handy against New Zealand, whose team is filled with left-handers—players who troubled India in the first Test match.
“Definitely not. They (New Zealand) are filled with four left-handers in the XI. We’ve had Washy around the white-ball squad for a while and we like the way he operates. It’s also nice to see that guys are getting rewarded for Ranji Trophy performance as well. We just want to make sure we’re absolutely prepared for conditions here and if that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option,” he told the media at the MCA Stadium ahead of India’s training session.
Most notably, the debate between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan has captured the attention of every cricket enthusiast and expert ahead of the second Test match. Rahul has the experience and is a senior member of the squad, but Sarfaraz’s magnificent hundred in the second innings has shifted the momentum towards him. Additionally, Shubman Gill is set to return, leaving only one place up for grabs between Rahul and Sarfaraz. Based on current form, Sarfaraz is likely to retain his place in India’s playing XI against New Zealand in the second Test match.
- In: Shubman Gill
- Keeping Place: Sarfraz Khan
- Out: KL Rahul
There might also be changes in the bowling department. It’s no secret that Mohammad Siraj has been short of wickets in Test cricket, while Akash Deep, sitting on the bench, has been in terrific form.
- In: Akash Deep
- Out: Mohammad Siraj
Kuldeep Yadav picked up only three wickets in the first Test match and was largely ineffective. The inclusion of Washington Sundar gives the management more options, especially since he is also a solid batsman. Therefore, Sundar might replace Kuldeep in India’s playing XI.
- In: Washington Sundar
- Out: Kuldeep Yadav
Here’s how India might line-up against New Zealand
India Playing 11 (Expected): Rohit Sharma (capCain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep.
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