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Published 14:46 IST, October 22nd 2024

Gill in, Rahul Out; What About Pant? Predicting IND's Playing XI For 2nd Test vs NZ

We are still a couple of days away from the start of the second Test in Pune and there is much speculation over India's playing XI.

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We are still a couple of days away from the start of the second Test in Pune and there is much speculation over India's playing XI. Will Shubman Gill return to the XI, if so - who misses out - will it be KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan? Also, reports suggest that Rishabh Pant is fit - if that is the case will he play or will the side not risk him and play Dhruv Jurel? And then the other question is, does Virat Kohli drop down to No. 4? Once Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir decide on the batters, they would have to pick the bowlers as well. Now the question is - will Kuldeep Yadav feature or will the side look at Axar Patel or Washington Sundar? Also, what will be the preferred combination? Will they play three finger spinners or will they opt for two finger spinners and Kuldeep Yadav? There is also a possibility that India play just one pacer in Jasprit Bumrah

ALSO READ: Jurel Over 'FIT' Pant in 2nd Test vs NZ a Better Option? Here's WHY

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Most reports claim Gill is fit and would hence slot into the No. 3 spot. And that would mean, Kohli drops down to his preferred No. 4 position. Given his poor show in Bengaluru, it is unlikely that Rahul would get picked for the game in Pune. There is a possibility that Kuldeep misses out. There could be a toss-up between Axar and Sundar. There could also be a toss-up between Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. 

ALSO READ: Kohli on Cusp of MAJOR Milestones During IND-NZ 2nd Test in Pune

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India's Probable Playing XI For 2nd Test Vs NZ

If Rishabh Pant is fit to keep wickets
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin , Jasprit Bumrah , Mohammed Siraj/Akash Deep

If Rishabh Pant is rested
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli , Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar/Axar Patel, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin , Jasprit Bumrah , Mohammed Siraj/Akash Deep

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14:32 IST, October 22nd 2024