Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill are likely to return for the second Test against New Zealand, enhancing India’s chances of redemption after a tough Bengaluru loss.
As the Indian cricket team gears up for the second Test against New Zealand, there is growing optimism surrounding the return of key players Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill. This development was hinted at by India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, just two days ahead of the match, suggesting both players may be fit to contribute after dealing with injuries in the previous encounter.
India is particularly hopeful about Rishabh Pant returning to his role as the wicketkeeper, a position that will be vital as the team aims to recover from their disappointing defeat during the series opener held in Bengaluru. On the second day of the first Test, Pant sustained a knee injury while attempting to stump Devon Conway. During the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings, Pant failed to collect the ball effectively, resulting in a painful impact that forced him off the field. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel stepped in as the wicketkeeper for the remainder of the innings.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, missed the Bengaluru Test due to stiffness in his neck. His potential return adds another layer of strength to India’s batting lineup. Ten Doeschate provided an update on both players’ conditions, specifically mentioning that Pant appears to be recovering well. Although he experienced some discomfort during movement, there is cautious optimism that he could resume wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming Test. Gill was reported to have been batting and practicing in the nets, and has shown resilience in dealing with his neck stiffness.
While Pant managed to bat in India’s second innings despite his injury, scoring a commendable 99 runs off 105 balls, he exhibited signs of discomfort while running between the wickets. Given the history of serious knee injuries Pant sustained in a car accident in December 2022, the team plans to take a careful approach regarding his fitness. Captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized the importance of erring on the side of caution, particularly in light of Pant’s previous injuries.
During India’s initial practice session in Pune, Jurel was the first to engage in wicketkeeping drills, with Pant observing from the sidelines. Eventually, Pant partook fully in batting drills against spinners and net bowlers and even practiced wicketkeeping closer to the end of the session. Although he missed some field time when India bowled, his participation in batting provided reassurance that he is recovering effectively.
The coach also addressed concerns over R Ashwin, who had a challenging outing in Bengaluru. Despite bowling only two overs in New Zealand’s second innings, ten Doeschate reassured fans that Ashwin is injury-free. He noted that while Ashwin’s bowling figures were not stellar, there are no worries about his form. His pace and rhythm, crucial elements for his effectiveness as a spinner, have reportedly returned to their usual standards.
Looking ahead to the Pune Test, the pitch conditions are anticipated to favor spin. India’s strategy appears to involve reinforcing their spin department; therefore, off-spinning allrounder Washington Sundar has been summoned as the fourth spin-bowling option alongside established spinners R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Ten Doeschate has refuted any claims that Sundar’s inclusion was a sign of desperation following the earlier defeat. Instead, he highlighted the tactical reasoning behind choosing Sundar, given the presence of several left-handed batsmen in New Zealand’s lineup.
With New Zealand potentially fielding five left-handers against India’s spin-heavy attack, Sundar’s ability to turn the ball away from those batsmen could prove advantageous. Although he has not participated in Test cricket since March 2021, Sundar’s recent performances in the Ranji Trophy have demonstrated his readiness for higher-level competition. He showcased impressive form by scoring a substantial 152 runs while batting at No. 3 in one recent match and subsequently claimed six wickets in another.
The emphasis on rewarding recent performances, particularly in first-class cricket, aligns with the team’s strategic focus. Ten Doeschate reiterated the importance of maintaining a positive approach towards selection based on players’ form and adapting to the conditions presented by the pitch. Ensuring that players like Sundar can contribute effectively not only strengthens the team but sets a precedent for future selections based on merit rather than desperation.
As India prepares for this crucial Test encounter, the strategic decisions made by the team management, including player fitness updates and pitch assessments, will significantly influence their chances of success. With expectations high, both Pant’s and Gill’s availability will serve as key components in India’s pursuit of a vital win against New Zealand. The coaching staff’s commitment to careful management of player fitness shows the depth of strategic planning underlying their preparations for the series ahead. The next few days will be pivotal as the team lays the groundwork for not only bouncing back in this series but also for solidifying its performance as the cricket season progresses.
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