The much-anticipated second Test match between India and New Zealand is set to begin on October 24, 2024, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Following a surprising defeat in the first Test at Bengaluru, India finds themselves in a crucial position where they must win this match to stay alive in the series. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their winning momentum and possibly create history by securing their first Test series victory in India since 1988.
India’s Tactical Challenges
India’s 8-wicket loss in Bengaluru exposed certain vulnerabilities in the team, both in terms of batting and bowling. While captain Rohit Sharma managed to contribute with a fifty in the second innings, his decision-making at the toss and with bowling changes came under scrutiny. His leadership will be crucial as India looks to bounce back in Pune, where conditions are expected to be quite different from Bengaluru.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a minor injury, is expected to return to the playing XI, likely replacing KL Rahul, who had a poor outing. Gill’s return will add stability to the top order, and his form will be critical on what is expected to be a spinner-friendly surface. The inclusion of Rishabh Pant, who played a gutsy knock of 99 in Bengaluru despite a knee injury, also strengthens India’s batting lineup.
The pitch in Pune has been under the spotlight, with reports suggesting it will be dry and assist spinners more than fast bowlers. This is a marked shift from the first Test, where New Zealand’s pacers, particularly Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, made significant inroads into the Indian batting. India will likely bring in Axar Patel to bolster their spin attack, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also key to their strategy on this surface.
New Zealand’s Approach and Key Players
New Zealand, fresh off a historic win in Bengaluru, will be looking to seal the series in Pune. The team has shown remarkable depth, with players like Rachin Ravindra leading the charge with the bat. The absence of captain Kane Williamson due to injury was felt in the batting, but the rest of the lineup managed to compensate. Will Young and Tom Latham will need to step up as senior batsmen in this Test, especially given the challenge that India’s spinners are likely to pose.
New Zealand’s bowling, led by Matt Henry, was instrumental in their Bengaluru triumph. However, Pune’s conditions may require a tweak in their bowling attack. They might consider adding another spinner to the lineup to complement Ajaz Patel, who performed well in patches during the first Test. The dry pitch in Pune could offer more turn than the Bengaluru surface, making the inclusion of an additional spinner a sensible move.
India’s Spin Dominance in Pune
India has historically done well on spin-friendly tracks at home, and Pune is no exception. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have excellent records at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Jadeja has taken nine wickets in two Tests at this venue, while Ashwin has been even more effective, claiming 13 wickets in the same number of matches. Their experience and skill on turning tracks will be vital if India is to level the series.
There are also discussions about giving a break to Mohammed Siraj, who struggled in Bengaluru, with Akash Deep potentially replacing him. This would give India a fresh pace option alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who remains a potent weapon despite the pitch favoring spinners. India’s bowlers will need to strike early and consistently, as allowing New Zealand to build partnerships on a turning track could prove costly.
The Road to the World Test Championship
India is under considerable pressure to perform in this Test, not just to salvage the series but also to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. A loss here would mean they need to win at least four of their remaining six Tests, five of which are scheduled to be played in Australia. Securing a win in Pune would give them some breathing room as they head into the final Test of the series.
For New Zealand, a series win in India would not only be a significant achievement but also boost their own chances in the WTC standings. Having already won one Test, they are in the driver’s seat, and a victory in Pune would put them in a commanding position, allowing them to approach the third Test with less pressure.
Match Outlook
With rain expected intermittently in Pune but hot afternoons creating dry conditions, the pitch will likely deteriorate as the game progresses, bringing the spinners more into play. Both teams will need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions, and patience at the crease, along with the ability to exploit turn and bounce, will be key factors.
As the two teams prepare for the second Test, the stakes are high. India needs a win to keep the series alive and maintain their long-standing home dominance, while New Zealand eyes a rare series victory on Indian soil. With both teams expected to make tactical adjustments, the match promises to be a fascinating contest between bat and ball.