Credits: BCCI/X
After a crushing 8-wicket defeat in the first Test in Bengaluru, India will face New Zealand for the second Test at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune starting on October 24. Now, the hosts have to move on from the last defeat and focus on the second Test in order to prevent a Test series loss at home after 12 years.
After getting bowled out for just 46 runs, India couldn’t make a big impact with the ball in the first Test, as they conceded a 356-run lead. Every Indian bowler got a wicket but the visitors were already far ahead of India. Now, the hosts will aim to dominate with the ball as Jasprit Bumrah will be the spearhead fast bowler in the second Test. However, Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep are in contention to play as a second pacer in Pune.
Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep: Who will play in the 2nd Test vs New Zealand in Pune?
As India will be looking to go ahead with a match-winning XI in a do-or-die encounter in Pune, one player between Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep is likely to get a chance in the upcoming match. Siraj is more experienced in Tests, but Akash Deep has been impressive in a few Test matches he played for India.
Mohammed Siraj has played 30 Test matches for India, in which the right-arm pacer scalped 80 wickets. Siraj has given several match-winning performances for India in red-ball cricket and has established himself as one of the crucial fast bowlers for India in recent years. On the other hand, Akash Deep also had an impressive Test debut for India against England in Ranchi, February, 2024, where he scalped three wickets. The right-arm pacer has taken eight wickets in three Test matches for India.
Talking about a place in the playing XI, India need to win the upcoming Test in Pune in order to level the series by 1-1 and take it to the decider in Mumbai. With the surface of Pune Stadium favorable for the spinners, the hosts are likely to play with two fast bowlers, with Jasprit Bumrah being the top choice. Now, talking about the second pacer, India are likely to go with Mohammed Siraj in the second Test in Pune. The fast bowler can turn the match around with his bowling and his experience will be crucial along with Bumrah.
