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The second Test match between India and New Zealand in Pune is set to be a thrilling contest, with the return of Shubman Gill adding another layer of intrigue to the selection process. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has revealed that Rishabh Pant, who missed the first Test due to a knee injury, is fit to play and will be the designated wicketkeeper-batter. This leaves the question of who will make way for Gill's return to the playing eleven.
While Gill's impressive form in the Bengaluru Test and his potential to add stability to the top order make him a strong contender, the decision is complicated by the stellar performance of Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Gill in the first Test and scored a magnificent 150 runs. This performance puts pressure on KL Rahul, who has been struggling for form and could face the unfortunate consequence of being dropped from the team.
Ten Doeschate acknowledges the tough decision facing the team management. He highlights the competitive environment within the squad, emphasizing the challenge of selecting the best eleven players based on form, conditions, and team balance. He assures that despite Rahul's recent struggles, the team has faith in his abilities and considers him in a good mental space. The final decision will be based on what is best for the team's overall performance and success.
The probable playing XI for the second Test features Rohit Sharma leading the side, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant forming the batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are likely to handle the spin bowling duties, while Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack. The selection of the final playing XI will be crucial for India's hopes of claiming a victory in the second Test and securing a series win against New Zealand.
Source: IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Who Will Make Way For Shubman Gill? KL Rahul Or Sarfaraz Khan?