As Team India prepares for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged the fierce competition for middle-order positions. Sarfaraz Khan made a strong case for a spot in the playing XI with his century in the first Test, putting pressure on KL Rahul, who struggled with scores of 0 and 12.
Despite Shubman Gill’s absence, Rahul batted at No. 6 but was dismissed twice by New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke. Ten Doeschate remarked, “There’s a fight for the spot. Sarfaraz was brilliant. KL is in good space, but we’ll have to fit in seven there.”
Injury Updates and Player Fitness
Ten Doeschate provided important updates on key players’ fitness. Rishabh Pant, who sustained a knee injury while keeping wickets, only batted in the second innings of the first Test. However, ten Doeschate is hopeful that Pant will keep wickets in the second Test.
Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, is expected to recover and be available for selection. The assistant coach also clarified that veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is fit despite concerns raised after he bowled only a few overs in the final innings of the first Test.
India’s Preparation for the Second Test
India’s unexpected eight-wicket defeat in the first Test has put them under pressure to make a comeback. Ryan ten Doeschate addressed the team’s poor performance in Bengaluru, particularly their inability to cope with the New Zealand seamers. “Bengaluru was an aberration,” he stated, expressing confidence in India’s spin trio if the pitch in Pune favours turn.
He also noted that all-rounder Washington Sundar has been added to the squad after a strong Ranji Trophy performance. India may prepare a slow-turning pitch for the second Test, which could bring the spinners back into play as they aim to level the series ahead of the third Test in Mumbai.
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