After a disastrous eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first test match played at Bengaluru, India came together for the second test to be held in Pune on Thursday.
Rohit Sharma has boosted the side by adding the Washington Sundar to his side and for the last two matches of the series the Indian team has 16 players in the side.
He placed Washington Sundar, a right-arm off-spinner and a left-hand batsman who could bat up the order as well but did not even make the list of call-ups, let alone the standby.
But he was included at the right time when India certainly wanted to add more firepower to both batsmen and bowlers.
“We needed to make a good follow-up and play well in crucial parts of the game,” Rohit Sharma said, expressing his optimism about bouncing back in Pune.
Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s Triumph: First Test win in India in 36 years.
- India’s New Addition: Washington Sundar to strengthen the lineup.
- Upcoming Match: 2nd Test begins in Pune, with India eager to bounce back.
New Zealand clinches a win on Indian soil for the first time in 36 years
The Black Caps’ stunning series triumph in Bengaluru, which was their first Test win in India in 1988/89, became the result of great batting and bowling performances for them.
Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway batted well, and Matt Henry and William O’Rourke bowled splendidly, reducing the Indian batting line-up to a ragged laminate.
Even though the two relegation strugglers, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, tried their best at the crease,
The Indian batting order crumbled under the pressure of the new ball, delivering some vulnerable totals of 107 runs, too weak for the Kiwis to chase and dominate.
It remained a rare home loss for India, who have been formidable in the longest format of the game at home. The success in the next game has given New Zealand ‘more importance to the second Test and the Indian team will take this form into Pune.
Related Article : India vs New Zealand 1st Test: W O’ Rourke and Matt Henry Destroy Indian Batting
Rohit Sharma is optimistic about recovery in Pune.
During the post-match briefing, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma voiced his belief that his team has what it takes to come from this defeat.
“We played well in parts and needed to make a good follow-up, but we didn’t manage to do it when it mattered most.
Shubman Gill is fit, and we expect him to score well in the next game,” Rohit said, referring to Gill’s availability for the next game after he was seen taking nets.
India’s new team for the second and third Tests whereas an added slow bowling option on what could be a spin friendly wicket in Pune is Washington Sundar.
The match is significant from the Indian point of view as they look forward to making it a level a series and to conduct final test at Mumbai on November 1.
References:
IndianExpress.com
ESPNCricInfo.com
