Pune: Both India and New Zealand made significant changes to their playing XIs ahead of the second Test, as New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch here on Thursday.
India, seeking to bounce back after their defeat in the first Test, made three changes to their side. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav were replaced by Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged that he would have preferred to bat first, but emphasised the importance of adapting to the conditions quickly.
New Zealand, meanwhile, made one forced change with Matt Henry sitting out due to a glute niggle. Mitchell Santner was brought into the side, providing an extra spin option on a surface expected to assist the slower bowlers. Skipper Tom Latham, electing to bat first, highlighted the need to adapt to the conditions in Pune, which are expected to produce turn from the outset.
Both sides will be closely watching how the pitch develops, with India aiming to extend their unbeaten home series streak, while New Zealand look to build on their momentum from the first Test.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.
