IND vs NZ Live: India aim to bounce back in 2nd Test

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham on Wednesday emphasized adaptability as the key strategy heading into the second Test against India in Pune. After their historic eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru, Latham stressed that the team won’t arrive with fixed expectations about spin-friendly conditions but will focus on making the most of their bowling resources.

"Whatever we're presented with, for us it's about trying to adapt as quick as we can," Latham said. "If it is going to be a wicket that turns a little bit more, then we've got four spinners in our line-up, that will play into their hands, but it's (also) about to try not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas." New Zealand's spin arsenal includes Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips.

Reflecting on their triumph in the first Test, where they bowled India out for a shocking 46, Latham acknowledged the significance of the win—New Zealand's first in India in 36 years. "We celebrated what was a special performance, but our attention (has) turned quickly to this game and we're trying not to rest on what happened last week, (we are) trying to take the confidence from last week and take that into this game and hopefully hit the ground running," he added.

Latham, who is captaining on this tour, also dismissed concerns about his personal form, highlighting the importance of playing his role for the team. He praised Ravindra’s balanced approach during his 134 in Bengaluru, showcasing how attack and defence are crucial on Indian pitches.

Additionally, Latham provided an update on Kane Williamson’s recovery, mentioning that the former captain is closely working with the medical staff and hopes to return soon. "It's a day-by-day thing with Kane, fingers crossed that he will be up and ready. He's obviously working closely with the medical team back home," Latham said.

With momentum on their side, New Zealand aim to hit the ground running in Pune and seal the series.

A win in Pune is crucial for India, not just to level the series but also to cement their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. With a gruelling tour to Australia on the horizon, Rohit Sharma’s men are aware that every point gained at home could be pivotal in their WTC campaign.

Pune offers a prime opportunity to bounce back from the shock defeat in Bengaluru and regain momentum before facing tougher challenges overseas.

For New Zealand, this Test presents a shot at history, as they aim for their first series win in India since 1988.

After a comprehensive performance in the first Test, the Kiwis have their sights set on maintaining their dominance and achieving a rare feat on Indian soil. If they succeed, it will not only boost their WTC prospects but also stand as a landmark victory in their cricketing history.

Both teams will enter the contest under pressure. The focus will be on India's batting lineup to recover from their collapse in the first innings at Bengaluru and display greater consistency.

Key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will be expected to step up, while Rishabh Pant's return brings added firepower. At the same time, India’s bowlers will need to adjust quickly to Pune’s spin-friendly conditions, with Washington Sundar’s inclusion providing a tactical advantage.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be determined to build on their momentum. Players like Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra will need to keep delivering with the bat, while their bowlers, led by Tim Southee, will look to replicate their disciplined showing from the first Test.

As the teams prepare for an intense encounter, the match in Pune promises high stakes and thrilling cricket, with both sides aware of the lasting impact this series result could have on their WTC journeys.

India have strengthened their squad for the second Test by bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar, aiming to exploit tactical matchups against New Zealand’s left-handed batters, including Rachin Ravindra. Sundar’s inclusion not only provides an extra spin option but also adds depth to the lower-order batting. In positive news for India, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, both recovering from minor injuries, are fit to feature in the playing XI. Gill's return could spell trouble for KL Rahul, whose place in the side is under threat after a series of underwhelming performances. Sarfaraz Khan’s solid form, particularly his 150 in Bengaluru, further complicates selection decisions, giving India both opportunities and headaches.

In the bowling department, the think tank is reportedly considering a change. Mohammed Siraj’s inconsistency in the first Test has opened the door for Akash Deep, who could offer fresh energy alongside spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. This tweak might help India better utilize early conditions and build pressure on New Zealand from the start.

On the other side, New Zealand will remain without Kane Williamson, whose absence continues as he undergoes rehab. In his stead, the Kiwis will lean on young talent like Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell to shoulder the batting load. Ravindra’s magnificent century in the first Test was a key factor in New Zealand’s victory, and his form will again be critical as the visitors look to secure a rare series win on Indian soil. New Zealand’s challenge will be to maintain their momentum in Pune, especially with the pitch likely to assist spinners more than the seam-friendly conditions in Bengaluru.

With both teams looking to make crucial adjustments, the second Test promises to be an intense battle. India will be desperate to bounce back and level the series, while New Zealand will aim to seal a historic triumph and carry that confidence forward.

The weather in Pune offers a welcome respite from the rain-interrupted conditions of Bengaluru, giving both India and New Zealand hope for uninterrupted play over the full five days. On Day 1, the forecast predicts a "blend of sun and clouds," with temperatures expected to hover around the low 30s Celsius, creating a warm yet manageable environment for the players. Morning conditions will feature 58% cloud cover, which might aid swing and seam movement early on, posing challenges for the batters. However, as the day progresses, the cloud cover is set to reduce to 43%, providing clearer conditions, which could make batting easier by the afternoon.

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium pitch, known for its black soil base, traditionally assists spinners, especially as the match wears on. While the early moisture and overcast skies may give fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Tim Southee a chance to exploit movement, the real test will likely come from spinners later in the game. As the pitch dries and deteriorates, turn and uneven bounce could play a significant role, particularly from Day 3 onwards.

Historically, pitches at Pune have demanded precision from batters, with spinners often dictating the game’s pace. This adds intrigue to India’s possible decision to field both Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar, capitalizing on the surface’s tendency to assist spin. For New Zealand, who relied on seamers to outclass India in Bengaluru, the challenge will be whether their spinners—like Ajaz Patel—can rise to the occasion and trouble the hosts in unfamiliar conditions.

Given the weather's unpredictability and the pitch’s shifting nature, both captains will be mindful of how they utilize their resources across all five days. Early breakthroughs will be crucial, but it is the ability to adapt to changing conditions that could decide the outcome of this crucial Test match.

After a rain-affected and disappointing opener in Bengaluru, the Test series between India and New Zealand now shifts to Pune, with the second match beginning on Thursday.

Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to shake off the sting of their eight-wicket loss in the first Test, where a humiliating 46 all out in the first innings left them chasing the game despite a valiant second-innings fightback.

New Zealand's disciplined bowling and Rachin Ravindra's brilliant century in the first Test proved too much for India to handle at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, with the teams now settling in Pune, both sides are hoping for clear skies and uninterrupted play across all five days.