New Zealand vs India 2020: 2nd Test, Christchurch – India's Predicted Playing XI

When the Indian team step into the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, they will seek an impressive rebound from their trouncing in Wellington against New Zealand. The tourists suffered their first loss in the ICC Test Championship after winning seven Tests on the bounce at the Basin Reserve by ten wickets. Their batting line-up that has dominated in home conditions has more often than not failed outside the sub-continent. The likes of Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane were the only ones who adapted well to the seaming conditions in the first Test.

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India had the option of playing Shubman Gill; however, they decided to stick with Prithvi Shaw along with Mayank at the top. Shaw made 16 and 14 in the first and second innings respectively but failed to convert to a big one. Along with it, the bowlers also need to be more penetrative and not give away too many runs to the tailenders.

We take a look at India’s predicted XI for the second Test against the Kiwis:

Prithvi Shaw:

Coach Ravi Shastri confirmed that Prithvi Shaw will retain his spot at the top along with Mayank Agarwal despite the word that he suffered an injury. The youngster showed glimpses in his cameos of 16 and 14 in Wellington but needs to have the temperament to make it big from here. He will get one more crack in Christchurch to make Rohit Sharma fight for his spot when he returns to the fold.

Mayank Agarwal:

The new Test batting sensation of India made scores of 34 and 58 in two innings in the first Test. He was one of the two batsmen who could hold his head high even in the dismal batting performance. After a strong showing at home and a bright display in the first Test, the 29-year old would be keen to build on the same.

Cheteshwar Pujara:

With scores of 11 in both the innings, Cheteshwar Pujara would be raring to prove his credentials in seaming conditions against a deadly fast-bowling attack. The Saurashtra batsman has flourished in Australia, South Africa, and England. But he is yet to score a hundred in New Zealand and Christchurch could be a venue for the same.

Virat Kohli(c):

Among all others, Virat Kohli would be the most in focus when India walk out to bat at the Hagley Oval. Due to scores of 2 and 19 in Wellington, the Indian captain lost his number one Test ranking to Steve Smith. But the loss as crushing as they suffered, that would hurt him even more. Hence, Kohli would be desperate to spearhead with the willow and leader to level the series.

Ajinkya Rahane:

In conditions as tough as the one encountered by India, Ajinkya Rahane always stands out. And he did his best in the first innings by scoring 46 to give India an outside chance of staying in the match. He made another 29 in the second innings as India could set only 9 for New Zealand to win and take the lead in the three-match series. He would once again be expected to make a significant contribution as Virat Kohli’s men aim to draw parity.

Rishabh Pant(wk)

Rishabh Pant’s selection over Wriddhiman Saha was deemed controversial due to the latter’s expertise behind the stumps. However, in Wellington, the youngster didn’t do much wrong and affected four dismissals along with mustering 40 runs in two innings. Pant should retain his place for the second Test.

Ravindra Jadeja

The left-arm spinner cum all-rounder will probably be the one replacing Hanuma Vihari in the squad. Of late, Jadeja has been in ominous form with the bat and ball and India would be looking up to him to break some crucial partnerships. The 31-year old’s electrifying presence in the field is one more asset which is hard to ignore.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ravichandran Ashwin is a very handy Test batsman; however, even he fell prey to an outstanding bowling performance of the Kiwi pacers. If not a massive knock, Ashwin would be looking forward to contributing at least 30-40 runs to the cause. And his three wickets in the first innings with the red cherry should be enough for him to retain a spot.

Umesh Yadav:

With Ishant Sharma ruled out of the second Test in Christchurch, Umesh Yadav will most likely get the nod. The former was India’s best bowler in the defeat, having claimed five wickets Umesh would have some big shoes to fill. But Umesh has been in impressive form of late too, bagging 11 and 12 wickets in two Tests against South Africa and Bangladesh respectively at home.

Mohammed Shami:

Mohammed Shami was part of the fast-bowling trio, who was earmarked to make a massive impact in this series. However, contrary to the expectations, Shami could pick only one wicket by conceding runs at nearly four an over at the Basin Reserve. Understandably, the Bengal pacer would be keen to exorcise that by delivering a thunderous performance in the second Test.

Jasprit Bumrah:

It is clear that Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t been at his best since his return after a lengthy hiatus from the sport. The lanky pacer failed to even a single wicket in the three-match ODI series which the men in blue lost. Even in the first Test, Bumrah could manage only one wicket by giving away runs at 3.38 per over. Yet, the pundits have backed him to make a sensational comeback and he would be hoping for the same.

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