KL Rahul has been dropped from India’s playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, making way for Shubman Gill’s return. Rahul's recent struggle with form, including a poor showing in the first Test in Bengaluru, contributed to the decision. With Sarfaraz Khan scoring an impressive 150 in the first Test, the team management opted to keep Sarfaraz and drop Rahul, sparking a range of reactions online.
India brought in Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill to replace Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. With New Zealand leading the three-match series 1-0, they are aiming to achieve a historic series win in India. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham announced one change, replacing Matt Henry, who is out with a glute injury, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed confidence in bouncing back after the first Test defeat, noting key positives from the previous match. He emphasised the importance of the first 10 overs on a dry Pune pitch.
Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and William O'Rourke.