India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd Test, Pune – Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Predicted XI & Match Prediction

India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd Test, Pune – Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Predicted XI & Match Prediction; Following the first Test at Visakhapatnam, now, the Indian National Cricket Team and South Africa landed their feet in Pune to lock horns for the second time in the three-match Test series. Both teams would like to bag a victory on a sporting wicket at Pune.

The Indian National Cricket Team would like to continue their magical winning streak in the longest format of the game. They hope to take an unassailable lead at Pune, which also consolidates their position in the ICC World Test Championship Points table.

Read More: Virat Kohli Expresses His Reservation Over The Points System In The ICC World Test Championship

From a batting point of view, India has found their opener in this format with Rohit Sharma delivering goods alongside Mayank Agarwal. Followed by evergreen Cheteshwar Pujara alongside Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. The performance with the bat by Ravindra Jadeja is a pleasing aspect for the team.

On the other hand, South Africa is heavily reliant on Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, and Quinton de Kock. The youngsters like Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Bruyn must perform to see their side on top of the game. They might call Zubayr Hamza to see the Indian spinners on Pune wicket.

As far as the bowling department is concerned, India have got no concerns while South Africa has got a lot to ponder about the combinations. Lungi Ngidi is licking his lips to make into the playing XI while Vernon Philander might make a way for him.

Changes:

Unless any last-minute injuries, India would play with the same XI that played Visakhapatnam Test. However, South Africa would make a few changes in the form of Hamza and in bowling section.

India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd Test – Match Preview

Date and Venue: October 10th, 2019, MCA Stadium, Pune.

Time – 09: 30 AM IST

Pitch Report:

Mostly, the pitch would offer great assistance for the batsmen on Day 1. With the rain being around, fast bowlers would like to yield some swing while spinners will enjoy great assistance as the game progress. Toss-winning captain would love to bat first.

Read More: India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd Test, Pune – Dream 11, Fantasy Tips, Predicted XI, Pitch Report And Injury Update

Weather Forecast:

Rain is on the cards.  As the first Test, thunderstorms, and rain might be a regular appearance in Pune too. However, the good news is that the game will restart within 30 minutes once the rain stops pouring.

Predicted Playing XI:

India –  Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

South Africa – Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Francois du Plessis (C), Zubayr Hamza, Quinton de Kock (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Match Prediction:

Once again, the Indian National Cricket Team led by Virat Kohli is going to start as favorites in the game. However, South Africa has got young legs that can kick the opposition out on their day. All in all, a tough competition is on the cards with a weighing balance on the Indian side.

Head-to-head stats

Total matches played: 37

India: 12

South Africa: 15

Draw: 10