Shubman Gill In, KL Rahul Out; Will Pant Play? India's Probable XI For 2nd Test Vs New Zealand

Shubman Gill will likely replace KL Rahul [Source: PTI]Shubman Gill will likely replace KL Rahul [Source: PTI]

India had a disastrous start to the home series against New Zealand, as they incurred a humiliating defeat in the opening encounter at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Led by Rohit Sharma, India were bowled out for a paltry 46-run total in the first innings. 

Although the hosts put up a commendable batting effort in the second innings, riding on valiant knocks from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, the visitors made a remarkable comeback, eventually winning the match by eight wickets. 

So, considering the second Test in Pune is a do-or-die affair for India, the hosts might make some bold calls regarding their playing combination. In such a scenario, the recovery status of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant holds significant importance for the hosts. Apart from that, the hosts will also take a call on KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj, who disappointed them with their abysmal performance in Bengaluru. 

Shubman Gill's Return Likely To Shut The Door For KL Rahul

In the first Test, Idia missed their first-choice number-three batter, Shubman Gill, who was ruled out due to a last-minute neck injury. However, the stylish right-handed batter has recovered from it and is all set to play the second Test in Pune. If he makes his way back into the XI, KL Rahul will likely make room for him, with Sarfaraz Khan retaining his place following a majestic hundred in Bengaluru. 

The Curious Case Of Rishabh Pant

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who walked off the field after a blow to his knee, has reportedly regained fitness ahead of the penultimate affair. However, skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed that the Indian team will manage Pant's workload carefully, keeping the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy in mind. 

If Pant is fit to keep wickets, India will keep him among their top six batters, with one between Axar Patel and Washington Sundar taking up the spin all-rounder's position. Axar and Sundar are capable batters and can capitalise on Pune's spin-friendly surface. On the other hand, if the Indian think tank decides to rest Pant, Dhruv Jurel could make his Test comeback and perform the wicketkeeping duties. 

Among other changes, the hosts might consider replacing Mohammed Siraj with Akash Deep, who looked sublime with the ball in the Bangladesh Tests.  

India's Probable Playing XI For 2nd Test Vs NZ

If Rishabh Pant is fit to keep wickets

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

If Rishabh Pant is rested

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Akash Deep