India finds itself in a rare and challenging position, trailing 1-0 at home in a two-Test series against New Zealand. Unlike previous comebacks in longer series, India has no room for error. New Zealand’s victory in Bengaluru was aided by unique conditions that disrupted India’s home advantage, but the hosts are determined to restore it in Pune, where the pitch promises to favor spin and limit the visiting quicks.
India’s recent dominance at home has been unmatched, but a few cracks have appeared over the last two years, with away teams finding more success. With the second Test beginning on Thursday, India remains the favorite, yet the pressure to deliver underlines the transitional phase for key players like R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
Key Players in Focus
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Shubman Gill: Returning from a stiff neck, Gill is expected to solidify India’s batting order at No. 3. Over the past year, he has thrived in the position, averaging 43.23 with three centuries in 11 matches.
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Glenn Phillips: The New Zealand all-rounder has emerged as a potent spinner, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 26.47 since his Test return in December 2023. His contributions with the ball and quick runs down the order could prove pivotal on a turning Pune pitch.
Team Updates and Selection Dilemmas
India’s lineup is expected to see Gill’s return, likely at the expense of KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan. The bowling attack could feature three spinners—Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—given the pitch conditions. The second seamer spot remains contested, with Akash Deep potentially replacing Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand may adjust their bowling attack to suit the conditions, with the possibility of adding an extra spinner like Mitchell Santner or Ish Sodhi. This could mean leaving out one of their pacers, such as Tim Southee or Will O'Rourke, despite their strong performances in Bengaluru.
Pitch and Conditions
The Pune pitch is expected to be a slow, low turner, offering increasing assistance to spinners as the match progresses. Unlike Bengaluru’s unique conditions, Pune’s track is designed to maximize India’s strengths. Sunny weather is forecast for all five days.
Stats and Trivia
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India has lost three home Tests since 2022, after dropping just two in the previous decade.
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KL Rahul is 19 runs shy of 3000 in Test cricket but has one of the lowest averages among players to reach the milestone since his debut.
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Matt Henry has transformed his Test career since 2023, taking 50 wickets in nine matches at an average of 21.26.
Updated on 23th October, 2024 by MyFortune11