India’s ongoing New Zealand tour will end with the upcoming Test match at Hagley Oval (Christchurch). It will be the second and final game of this two-match Test series.
The hosts New Zealand are leading this Test series by the 1-0 margin before the final game of this series. New Zealand won the first Test at Wellington by ten wickets. The upcoming Christchurch Test will be the must-win game for the visiting side Indian team to save this series.
New Zealand vs India 2020: Here is India’s predicted XI for the upcoming Christchurch Test
Prithvi Shaw
The youngster Prithvi Shaw was doubtful for the second Test after recently missing practice session due to a swelling on his left foot. However, the Head Coach Ravi Shastri has clarified that the youngster is fit for the second Test.
Many were not impressed with Prithvi Shaw’s performances in the last Test. The opener scored 16 and 14 runs in that Test match. However, the team management has enough faith in him.
Mayank Agarwal
Another opener Mayank Agarwal scored 34 and 58 runs in the last Test. He is getting the crucial starts for this team, but the longer innings will be more effective for this team. As Agarwal is progressing, the experts and fans now have huge expectations from him.
Cheteshwar Pujara
The top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was widely criticised for his batting approach in the last Test at Wellington. In that Test match, Pujara scored 11 runs in both innings in 42 and 81 balls respectively. Many believe that Pujara needs to change his batting approach by reducing the dot balls.
Virat Kohli (C)
Indian captain Virat Kohli is recently struggling to perform. After the struggling limited-overs series in this tour, especially the ODI series, Kohli disappointed in the first Test of this series by scoring only two and 19 runs. While this Indian team hasn’t much experience, Kohli must have to improve his performance to save this series.
Ajinkya Rahane
In the previous Test, the vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t get enough support from the top-order batsmen. The right-handed batsman scored 46 and 29 runs in that game. If the top-order batsmen provide the better starts, Rahane can improve his performance quickly.
Hanuma Vihari
The middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari scored only seven and 15 runs in the previous Test, which were very disappointing performances. However, he is currently one of the most in-form Indian middle-order batsmen, and he can perform better if the top-order batsmen got better starts.
Rishabh Pant (wk)
The wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant seemed positive in the previous Test though he didn’t score many runs (19 and 25) in that game. Moreover, some experts were unhappy after seeing him as the replacement of the experienced and skilful wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha. However, team management can still go with Pant in the next game, especially when the team is facing the lack of left-handed batsman, but the youngster must have to improve his performance.
Ravindra Jadeja
In the last Test, the off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bowled well as he picked up three wickets during New Zealand’s first innings. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s presence can bring more options in the team and that too in every aspect. While the Indian team’s batting is currently not very strong enough, the experienced left-handed batsman Jadeja can provide crucial support at the lower-order batting.
Mohammed Shami
The right-arm pacer Mohammed Shami picked up only one wicket and disappointed everyone with his bowling. However, at present, Shami is the most consistent bowler of this team. So, the team is expecting a much better performance from him in the forthcoming Test.
Umesh Yadav
Ishant Sharma has been ruled out from the second Test due to recurrence of the ankle injury. It will be a huge blow for the Indian team as the tall experienced pacer was the best bowler for the visitors in the previous Test.
However, Umesh Yadav is also in this Test squad who is very mature and performing very consistently when he is getting the opportunity. The right-arm pacer has the ability to control the game by providing the breakthrough in the crucial moment.
Jasprit Bumrah
Since his return after recovering from the injury, the right-arm pacer Jasprit Bumrah has bowled well but not effectively yet. He is missing out the wickets as he managed to pick up only one wicket in the last Test after finishing with wicketless in the ODI series of this tour.