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KL Rahul And...? Rohit Sharma Likely To Drop These 3 Players For 2nd Test Vs New Zealand

KL Rahul had a forgettable game in Bengaluru [Source: PTI]KL Rahul had a forgettable game in Bengaluru [Source: PTI]

On Sunday, India had a disastrous outing on the field, incurring a heavy eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Chasing a paltry target of 107 runs, the Blackcaps went past the finish line with eight wickets to spare, thanks to a magnificent third-wicket partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. 

Nevertheless, India had no one to blame apart from themselves for such a humiliating defeat in a home Test. Led by Rohit Sharma, the hosts had a shambolic outing with the bat in the first innings, being bowled out for 46, their lowest-ever Test score in Asia. With their WTC final ambitions at stake, India might take several bold decisions and make several notable changes to their playing combination for the penultimate affair in Pune. In such a scenario, three big names, as mentioned below, might be dropped from India's playing XI. 

KL Rahul

The stylish batter from Karnataka was expected to capitalise on the home conditions and bail India out with his stoic technique. However, KL Rahul bizarrely got out for a duck in the first innings and followed it up with another poor performance, falling prey to William O'Rourke's snorter in the subsequent outing. 

On the other hand, Rahul's competitor Sarfaraz Khan slammed a magnificent century in the second innings, giving India a glimmer of hope with his sublime knock. So, if Shubman Gill returns, KL Rahul might make room for him, as Sarfaraz won't likely be dropped after such an impressive performance. 

Mohammed Siraj

India's prominent fast bowler Mohammed Siraj hasn't had a great time with the ball in home Tests. In 23 innings at home, Siraj has managed only 19 wickets at an ordinary average of 38.95 and a strike rate as high as 62.63. He definitely bowled a lot better on day five, but his overall performance was nothing short of underwhelming in the Bengaluru Test. 

So, the Indian management has a definite reason to replace Siraj with Akash Deep, who looked sharper than the Hyderabad speedster in the Bangladesh Tests. Furthermore, the pitch in Pune will require the pacers to bowl more at the stumps, which Akash Deep can do more effectively than Siraj. 

Kuldeep Yadav

Hailed highly for his wily variations, Kuldeep Yadav found it challenging to get going against New Zealand's gritty batters in Bengaluru. Despite skipper Rohit Sharma trusting him more than the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep had little success in his kitty, managing only three wickets at an average of 33 on a spin-friendly pitch. More importantly, he conceded 99 runs at an economy of 5.35, speaking volumes for his ineffectiveness in the first Test. 

So, given that the all-round duo of Ashwin and Jadeja is a must, Kuldeep might lose his place to Axar Patel, who can add depth to India's batting unit, apart from providing them with an excellent spin bowling option.