India vs New Zealand 2nd Test 2016 – Indian Predicted XI
Sep 28, 2016 at 11:39 PM
After a convincing victory at Kanpur, the Virat Kohli led Indian side will be eager to wrap up the series at Kolkata, undoubtedly the most iconic venue in India. The focus going into the second test, remains on the returning Gautam Gambhir, after KL Rahul was injured in the first test. Gambhir was fully backed by coach Anil Kumble in the pre match press conference.
The Indians though have a serious injury scare as all rounder R. Ashwin had some trouble with his middle finger. Nevertheless, he is expected to be fit in time for the second test in Kolkata. On a track known for assisting the seamers, it will be interesting to see India’s team combination. Below, is the likely playing XI for India, for the second test.
- Gautam Gambhir:
Making his return to the national side after a span of two years, Gambhir is likely to be given the nod ahead of Shikhar Dhawan. Gambhir’s technique against spin in still the best for any Indian batsman, and his experience will be priceless for the hosts. Who knows, a strong show from Gambhir could mean that the Delhi star could be retained for the tests against England.
- M. Vijay:
Vijay was unfortunate to miss out on the three figure mark in the second innings at Kanpur. The elegant right hander will be eager to make his starts at Kolkata count and if recent form is anything to go by, Vijay is well on course to do so.
- Cheteshwar Pujara:
The form displayed by Pujara in the first test will be the biggest relief for the Indians. After an indifferent tour of the Caribbean, Pujara was under immense pressure to prove his ability at home. He got going in both the innings at Kanpur and like Vijay, would want to play a big innings in the second test.
- Virat Kohli (c):
His captaincy remains sharp, crisp and perfect; but it’s his personal batting form that worries Indian fans. Ever since he got that 200 at Antigua, Kohli’s willow hasn’t yielded alarming returns and that has been obvious with his dropping average. The second test offers an ideal opportunity for Kohli to get back to form.
- Ajinkya Rahane:
Like Kohli, Rahane too missed out in the first test as he was dismissed cheaply in both innings. He has been India’s best test batsman since the last couple of years and keeping in mind his reputation for big scores, one can expect a strong show from the Indian vice captain.
- Rohit Sharma:
In context of the situation, Rohit played a fluent knock in the second innings at Kanpur. But from the personal front, that innings could well be a career saving one for Rohit. His rapid half century propelled India to a huge lead in the second innings. Kolkata has been the happy hunting venue for Sharma, and the last time he played a test here, it was his debut game where he amassed 177.
- R. Ashwin:
After bagging a ten wicket haul, Ashwin will be geared up to repeat his heroics from the first test. During New Zealand’s second innings, Ashwin was way too lethal against the Kiwi top order. Another performance like that from the off spinner, will mean further trouble for the visitors.
- Wriddhiman Saha:
Wicket keeping wise, Saha was simply perfect in the first test. From the batting front though, Saha had a disappointing outing as he was castled for a duck by Trent Boult. At his home ground, an ideal opportunity lies ahead for Saha to leave a lasting impression.
- Ravindra Jadeja:
Jadeja played a couple of priceless knocks for the hosts in the first game and he might well be promoted up the order. Jadeja’s natural game is to attack from the outset and he has the full license to do so. His bowling is his strongest point and the miserly spells he usually bowls, will be significant for the second test.
- Mohammad Shami:
Shami put on a display of really fascinating stuff as he generated sharp reverse swing in Kanpur to trouble the Kiwi lower order. Considering the nature of surface at Eden Gardens, India are expected to persist with the same team combination.
- Umesh Yadav:
With regular pace spearhead Ishant Sharma being absent, Yadav will get another opportunity to prove his skills. He was decent in the first test, and would want to improve going into the series.