IND vs NZ: The Indian team, who are about to play their second test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Ground in Pune, have likely included another additional spinner to their squad in Washington Sundar, as reports from Express Reports suggest.
India, who would look to make every possible change in order to succumb to the early loss faced in the series opener against New Zealand at Chinnaswamy, might be looking to strengthen their team for the next scheduled fixtures.
With Shubman Gill already reported at the nets alongside Akash Deep, the likes of underperforming KL Rahul and Siraj might be threatened to lose their position for the upcoming test.
Now the inclusion of the Tamil Nadu all-rounder adds a sprinkle of fear on the likely replacement of Kuldeep Yadav, who played at the Chinnaswamy. Often known as a fine spin track, India can once again go with three spinners, while adding the likes of Sundar would only add to their batting geniuses.
Washington Sundar recently scored a stellar century in the Ranji Trophy match, where Sudarshan nailed a double-hundred. Sundar was also seen picking 2-wickets with the ball in hand.
India decking up for the second red-ball clash at Pune as Gill and Akash Deep return to the nets
India lost the opening Test against New Zealand at Bangalore, as there was a huge set of records being dismantled during the fixture at Chinnaswamy. Also, New Zealand went on to secure their third victory against the Indian team in away tests, while this also marked New Zealand’s first test victory in India, breaking the jinx of 36 long years, with the last test win back in 1988.
Rohit Sharma said, “We will try our best game forward—we lost the first Test vs. England, then came back strongly, still have 2 Tests left in the series.”.
The in-form batter Shubman Gill came back from a stunning hundred in the final Bangladesh series but could not feature in the first test as he was ruled out due to an injury to his neck. His replacement, Sarfaraz Khan, dominated in the first test with a 150.
Gill was recently seen practising at the Chinnaswamy outdoors after the first test ended early on Day 5. Gill seems recovered and might be looking forward to making his comeback into the red-ball side. Alongside the veteran star, India’s new red-ball pace sensation, Akash Deep, is seen in the nets.
Akash Deep might be uncertain about the test return after the management decided to drop him to feature an extra spinner. While the Pune track is often spinner-friendly, the likely return of Akash Deep might be under doubt; his only probable return might be if Siraj is rested from the side.
Though Sarfaraz has largely been lauded by the Indian coach Gambhir as well for his performance, hence even if Gill makes a comeback, KL Rahul’s position in the squad might be threatened. However, the most interesting video on the internet that has raised eyebrows is Mohammad Shami bowling in the nets to assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
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