Pakistan legend puts the burden on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma to avoid series defeat vs New Zealand

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels that India have a tough job on hand in the second Test against New Zealand at Pune. According to him, India only have a chance if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs.

New Zealand have played almost perfectly in the Test series so far. After winning the first Test in Bengaluru, they adapted well to the conditions in Pune to have India on the back foot for the second time in a row.

The visitors now have a chance to create history that no other team has achieved since the last decade - winning a Test series in India. On the other hand, India will be looking to save their proud home record but have an uphill task.

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Basit Ali speaks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's performance in Pune Test

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali predicted India's chances of making a comeback in the game at Pune. The former Pakistan batter reckons that the Men in Blue will have a chance only if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs in the second innings.

However, Basit feels that the chances of India getting back in the match are very low since New Zealand is bossing it.

“Rohit Sharma aur Virat Kohli agar runs kare (If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs) (if India can win Pune Test or not). Two big names who failed in the first innings. There might be a possibility (of a comeback).," Basit said.

"But the chances are very low right now. New Zealand are in a very strong position to win the match... Before the Australia tour, this is not a good sign for India. Let's see what happens,” he added.

Rohit Sharma went cheaply again

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed cheaply in the first innings of the Test. Rohit was out for a duck while Kohli scored 1 run. In the second innings, Rohit's poor form continued and he was dismissed for just 8 by Mitchell Santner.

Meanwhile, India were given a target of 359 runs to win the match by New Zealand on a tricky and deteriorating surface at Pune. However, the home side lost the big wicket of the captain Rohit Sharma cheaply.

Yashasvi Jaiswal comes out in attacking mode

The other opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has come all guns blazing so is the N0. 3 Shubman Gill. India were 81-1 at lunch in just 12 overs with Jaiswal batting on 46 off 36 balls and Gill unbeaten on 22 off 20 balls.

India knows that the only way to survive on this deteriorating pitch is to play aggressive cricket and show intent. Both Jaiswal and Gill will have a huge task in hand in front of New Zealand's in-form spinners.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand lost 5 wickets for 57 runs. Their innings folded on 255, leaving India with a target of 359 runs to win the match. Tom Latham top-scored for the visitors in the second innings with 86.

Washington Sundar was the pick of the bowlers for India as he finished with 4-56, which followed his seven-wicket haul in the first innings of the match. Jadeja picked up three wickets while Ashwin got two wickets.