The stage is set for the second Test match between India and New Zealand, starting October 24, 2024, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. After a historic defeat in Bengaluru, where New Zealand claimed their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988, India is eager to level the three-match series.
With the World Test Championship points at stake, this encounter promises to be an intense battle. India look to maintain its dominant record in home conditions while New Zealand eye a rare series win on Indian soil.
Match Preview
India’s defeat in Bengaluru was shocking, especially the way they did it. India collapsed for a mere 46 runs in the first innings, their lowest total at home. New Zealand, on the other hand, showed remarkable resilience. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra led the way in their second innings to chase down 107 runs comfortably. With the series on the line, India will need to reassess their approach, especially their top order, which struggled against New Zealand's pace and spin duo.
Pune's pitch is expected to offer a different challenge from Bengaluru's seaming conditions, with a likely focus on spin as the game progresses. This could bring India's spinners into play, but they’ll need a more consistent batting performance to set up a solid platform for their bowlers.
Team News
For India, key changes could be on the cards. Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, is expected to return to the playing XI, possibly replacing KL Rahul. In the bowling department, Akash Deep might get a chance in place of Mohammed Siraj, as India looks to freshen up their pace attack.
On the other side, New Zealand will be without Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a groin injury. Tom Latham continues to lead the side, with Rachin Ravindra stepping into a more prominent role after his impressive all-round performance in Bengaluru. Additionally, Michael Bracewell has returned home for personal reasons, with Ish Sodhi likely to feature 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), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke.
Key Players
India
- Virat Kohli: The Indian stalwart managed a steady 70 in the second innings of the first Test, but he will need to convert his starts into bigger scores to anchor India's batting lineup. His ability to handle pressure will be crucial as India tries to recover from a rare home defeat.
- Jasprit Bumrah: India's premier fast bowler was lethal in spells during the first Test, constantly threatening the New Zealand batters. Bumrah's reverse swing and variations will be key on the slower Pune track, especially in the later stages of the match.
New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra: A star in the making, Ravindra's all-round performance in Bengaluru was pivotal to New Zealand’s victory. His 134 in the second innings of the game was a match-winning knock, and he also contributed valuable overs with the ball. Ravindra’s adaptability to Indian conditions makes him a key figure for the Kiwis.
- Matt Henry: The Kiwi pacer picked up eight wickets in the first Test, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Henry will be looking to carry his form forward into this Test match.
Match Prediction
India's record of bouncing back from home defeats is formidable, and with conditions in Pune likely to suit their spinners, they will start as favourites. The return of Shubman Gill should bolster the batting order, and India's experience in handling spin-friendly conditions will be crucial. Yet, New Zealand’s victory in Bengaluru has given them immense confidence, and their balanced lineup, combined with Latham's astute captaincy, could make this match much closer than anticipated.
India will be desperate to level the series, and the key battle will be between their spinners and New Zealand’s top order. Given India's depth in both batting and spin bowling, they are likely to edge out New Zealand in this Test and set up a thrilling decider in Mumbai.