After the defeat in the first match against New Zealand, the Indian team can make changes in its playing eleven for the Pune Test Match.
Shubman Gill could replace Lokesh Rahul in this match, while fast bowler Mohammad Siraj who is also struggling with poor form, may be replaced by Akashdeep.
Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant who was injured in the first match might be given rest in the second test match. The team management could include Dhruv Jural in the team in his place.
Indian Team Set to Revamp Squad After First Test Loss to New Zealand
The New Zealand team performed brilliantly in the first test match. The New Zealand Team bowled out the Indian team for 46 runs in the first innings. New Zealand got a big lead with the help of Rachin Ravindran’s excellent century in 2nd inning. However, the Indian team also fought back in the match and with the help of Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 runs and Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant’s half-centuries, set a target of 107 runs for New Zealand in the fourth innings. New Zealand chased down the target in the fourth innings without taking any risk and won the match.
Lokesh Rahul was completely flopped in both the innings of this match. He was heavily criticized on social media. Now due to the inclusion of Shubman Gill in his place in the second test match, Lokesh Rahul’s place in the test team is also in danger.
There was a time when Lokesh Rahul used to play in all three formats. But due to his poor performance in the last few years, after the T20 format, he is now out of the test format as well. If Shubman Gill manages to perform well in the Pune test match, then he can also be included in the team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in place of Lokesh Rahul.
Probable PlayingXI For the Pune Test Match
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Akash Deep
Also, read about New Zealand PlayingXI for 2nd test match here
