The much-anticipated Test series between India and New Zealand has reached a critical juncture as both teams head to Pune for the second match. Conditions became the focal point of discussions after the inaugural Test in Bengaluru, where Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s assessment of the pitch and weather conditions slightly missed the mark. Taking advantage of the opportunities, New Zealand capitalized on the situations that suited their strategy more effectively.
As the teams gear up for the contest in Pune, New Zealand finds itself on the brink of making history. The potential for drier, more challenging conditions looms large, compelling the team to adapt and strategize differently to outwit the Indian squad. The overarching question remains whether they can maintain their momentum, particularly if the conditions offer little assistance to their pacers. The onus will be on their spinners to rise to the occasion after their relatively uninspiring performance in Bengaluru. With the three Tests scheduled in quick succession, New Zealand arguably holds an edge, buoyed by the confidence of their initial victory.
This win was noteworthy, especially given the lack of substantial contributions from experienced players like Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell, who now face the challenge of bolstering their team’s performance by stepping up when needed. Meanwhile, India’s journey paralleled this narrative to some extent until their turbulent first innings in Bengaluru. However, fifties by stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have possibly settled some of their initial nerves.
India has adopted an aggressive batting style, a strategy that in part led to their subsequent batting collapse at 46 all out. They are eager to maintain this assertive approach but also recognize the necessity of executing it judiciously. As assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate points out, “Striking a balance is crucial, and our players are aware of that.” The World Test Championship (WTC) framework, which considerably devalues draws in favor of results-oriented matches, influences this radical approach. “The nature of the WTC is such that draws are almost worthless, prompting teams to advance the game more assertively, and it takes courage to do so successfully,” adds Doeschate.
For India, failure to secure a victory in Pune would increase their pressure to win four of the remaining six Tests leading to the WTC final. With five of these Tests taking place in Australia, maximizing home victories is eminently desirable.
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The Pune Test begins on Thursday, October 24, at 09:30 AM IST at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Intermittent rain has marked the lead-up to the Test, albeit sunny afternoons have also featured prominently. Notably, the pitch appears dry, with visible efforts towards grass removal two days before the Test, hinting at a spinner-friendly environment.
Team selection poses dilemmas for both sides. For India, the conundrum follows Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive 150 in the first Test. The availability of key players Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant adds to the selection challenge, likely endangering KL Rahul’s position. In the bowling department, introducing Washington Sundar, mainly for his effectiveness against left-handers, might cost Kuldeep Yadav his spot. Similarly, resting Mohammed Siraj in favor of Akash Deep could also be considered due to Siraj’s mediocre form.
Projected Indian XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj/Akash Deep.
New Zealand faces its own selection trials following Kane Williamson’s unavailability, which keeps Will Young in the frame. The dry conditions in Pune tempt thoughts of fielding an extra spinner. Nonetheless, deciding on which of their pacers, instrumental in the Bengaluru success, might sit out is perplexing.
Projected New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
Statistical milestones are within reach for players on both sides. Yashasvi Jaiswal edges closer to setting a record for sixes hit in a calendar year in Tests, while Rohit Sharma nears breaking India’s all-time record for maximum sixes. Additionally, Kohli’s career-best 254* was achieved at the very ground that now hosts the second Test.
Ultimately, both teams recognize the importance of adapting to changing conditions, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham remarking on the challenge. “The surface might differ, so while three spinners played crucial roles previously, we will finalize our eleven only after making appropriate adjustments,” reflected Latham, emphasizing flexibility and learning quickly from past game plots.