Following India’s defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli has left the city to prepare for the second match in Pune. Fans are excited to see him in action again as India faces a crucial moment in the series. The Bengaluru Test ended in disappointment for India as New Zealand secured a historic win, but the Indian squad is set to make several key changes in Pune to level the series.
Kohli, a veteran of Indian cricket, had a decent outing in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, scoring 70 off 102 balls. His contributions will be pivotal as India looks to bounce back after the eight-wicket loss to the Kiwis. Kohli’s connection to Bengaluru is significant, as the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a long-time home ground for him during his IPL career with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite this, Kohli’s immediate focus is on making an impact in Pune, where he will once again take on the responsibility of leading from the front as a senior player.
The Indian team, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, is looking to make adjustments to its lineup. Kohli’s performance in the middle order will be essential, especially on a spin-friendly pitch at Pune’s MCA Stadium, a ground known for its unpredictable surface. Kohli has had mixed results against New Zealand in past encounters, and while he fell cheaply in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test, his second innings knock suggests that he is getting back to form.
India’s predicted lineup for the second Test in Pune may see several changes. Shubman Gill, who missed the first match due to neck stiffness, is expected to return, likely replacing KL Rahul. Rahul, after a disappointing performance in Bengaluru, might be rested to give Gill the chance to strengthen India’s top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played a crucial 35-run knock in the second innings, is also expected to hold his spot. Rohit Sharma, after a poor decision at the toss in Bengaluru, will be looking to regain his confidence both as a captain and a batter.
On the bowling front, India’s spinners will need to step up their game, particularly Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom struggled in the first Test. Axar Patel is also a likely candidate to return, possibly replacing Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep had an expensive spell in Bengaluru, and India will be banking on Axar’s ability to contribute both with the ball and the bat, especially on Pune’s turning pitch.
Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s pace spearhead, but his role will be even more crucial in Pune, where the team will rely on him to break through New Zealand’s resilient batting lineup. Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Shami, will aim to exploit any early movement in the pitch before the spinners take over.
New Zealand, on the other hand, is riding high after their victory in Bengaluru. The team, led by captain Kane Williamson, delivered a comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling. Rachin Ravindra was the standout performer, scoring runs at crucial moments, while their pace attack, led by Matt Henry, dismantled India’s batting lineup. The Kiwis will look to carry this momentum into Pune, where a win would secure them an unprecedented series victory on Indian soil.
The second Test, starting on October 24, is a do-or-die game for India. With Kohli back in the fold and key players like Gill and Axar Patel expected to bolster the squad, fans are hoping for a strong comeback from the home side. India has a proud record of not losing a home Test series in over a decade, and this match could be the turning point that keeps that streak alive.