IND vs NZ 2nd Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Oct 23 2024, 1:25 PM | 3 Min Read

New Zealand won the 1st Test vs India in Bengaluru [Source: PTI]

After a heartbreaking defeat in the series opener in Bengaluru, India are gearing up for the do-or-die second Test against New Zealand at MCA Stadium in Pune. The first game brought a disastrous result for the home side, with the Blackcaps stunning them with an eight-wicket win. As India kicked off their journey with a loss, it's a must-win game for them to stay alive in the series. 

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

IND vs NZ 2nd Test Preview: India Seek Redemption While New Zealand Eye Historic Series Win 

India had a forgettable outing in the first Test in Bengaluru, conceding an eight-wicket victory to the visiting side. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first under overcast conditions backfired on the hosts, as New Zealand's rampant pace battery skittled them for 46, their lowest-ever Test score in the Asian continent. 

Despite valiant knocks from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India couldn't set a challenging target for the Kiwis, as the visitors chased down the target, losing only two wickets. So, moving on to this game, the hosts would be desperate for a win to avoid a rare home series defeat, while this game allows New Zealand to extend their purple patch and bag the trophy with one game remaining. 

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IND vs NZ 2nd Test Pitch Report: India Revert To Slow Turner After Bengaluru Humiliation

Considering how the visiting pacers exploited the seam-friendly pitch in Bengaluru, India have prepared a turning track in Pune to use the conditions in their favour. The surface in Pune will offer less bounce than what we saw in Bengaluru. 

It will be on the drier side, keeping the spinners interested in all five days. The ball might turn from day one, as the batters are expected to have a tough time in the middle. 

The abrasive playing conditions might also help the pacers generate some old ball swing and keep the batters on their toes. All in all, there will be no respite for the batters, with bowlers, especially spinners, dominating the proceedings. 

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Key Players And Stats

• Ravichandran Ashwin: 13 wickets in 2 matches in Pune, Average: 22.77, SR: 51.92
• Virat Kohli: 267 runs in 3 innings in Pune, Average: 133.5
• Rachin Ravindra: 772 runs in 14 Test innings in 2024, Average: 59.38
• Tim Southee: 54 wickets in 12 Tests vs India, Average: 24.91, SR: 47.54
• Rishabh Pant: 280 runs in 6 Test innings since return, Average: 56, SR: 80

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Probable Team Changes And Playing XIs

With Shubman Gill making his way back into the playing XI, India might bench KL Rahul and reward Sarfaraz Khan for his outstanding hundred in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, New Zealand might add an extra spin option to their XI, replacing Tim Southee with Mitchell Santner. 

India's Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand's Probable XI: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, William O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry

IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

Despite losing the first game, India are expected to regain their mojo with a win in Pune, considering their all-round attack and home advantage. 

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