India are taking on New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. While the hosts succumbed to a defeat in the series opener in Bengaluru, it seems like Rohit Sharma & Co. have spent a bit of time in introspection and made as many as three changes to their Playing 11 in the second Test in Pune.
While one of those changes was along expected lines with a fit again Shubman Gill coming in place of KL Rahul, with Sarfaraz Khan being almost undroppable with his 150, the change that many did not see coming was that of Washington Sundar coming in place of Kuldeep Yadav. With Axar Patel already in the squad, it was expected that even if Kuldeep is replaced by a bowler who can be a handy with the bat, it would be Axar. However, that was not to be.
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Why Is Kuldeep Yadav Not Playing IND vs NZ 2nd Test?
Notably, one of the main reasons for Kuldeep not playing the IND vs NZ 2nd Test is his lack of batting ability. With India being bowled out for 46, Kuldeep has been replaced by a spinning option who can chip in with the bat should another collapse of sorts happens in Pune. Meanwhile, the presence of more left-handers in the New Zealand team might have titled the balance in favour of Washington Sundar rather than Axar who also brought to the table batting talent, much like Sundar.
Playing 11s:
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke