India vs New Zealand Live Score, IND vs NZ: All eyes on KL Rahul, Gill as India aim to bounce back in 2nd Test

After a rain-marred first Test in Bengaluru, India and New Zealand are set to face off in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, starting Thursday. With India eager to bounce back from an eight-wicket defeat and level the series, and New Zealand aiming for a historic series win, the stage is set for an exciting encounter.

Ind vs NZ, Weather Report

The weather in Pune looks far more promising than the rain-hit conditions in Bengaluru. According to forecasts, the first day of the Test will feature a “blend of sun and clouds,” with temperatures hovering in the early 30s. Morning conditions will have 58% cloud cover, decreasing to 43% by the afternoon. While overcast skies could offer some assistance to pacers early on, clear weather is expected to prevail, ensuring a full five days of cricket.

Ind vs NZ, Pitch Report

The pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium traditionally favors spinners as the game progresses. The dry, black soil surface is expected to offer significant turn from Day 2 onwards. However, the morning cloud cover may give seamers some help initially. India will likely rely heavily on their spin trio, looking to exploit New Zealand’s middle order. The toss could play a crucial role, as batting first might be an advantage on a deteriorating surface.

Ind vs NZ, Playing 11

India face tough selection calls for the second Test. KL Rahul is at risk of being dropped, with the in-form Sarfaraz Khan pushing for a spot. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have recovered from injuries and are set to rejoin the playing XI. On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj’s recent struggles might see him replaced by Akash Deep. Washington Sundar’s inclusion provides flexibility to counter New Zealand’s left-handers.

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Akash Deep.

New Zealand: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.

Ind vs NZ, Team Squad

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant(w), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy

Both teams will battle hard to either level the series or secure a historic win, setting the stage for an intense showdown in Pune.