India’s hopes of a strong comeback in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand have received a boost with the likely return of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and batsman Shubman Gill for the second Test scheduled to start on October 24 in Pune. Both players faced fitness concerns following India’s disappointing defeat in the first Test at Bengaluru.
Pant, who suffered a right knee injury while attempting a stumping, was sidelined for a significant portion of the first match. His discomfort was evident as he left the field after taking a hit during the 37th over of New Zealand’s innings. Despite the injury, Pant managed to score 99 runs in the second innings but showed signs of struggle while running between the wickets.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, provided an optimistic update on Pant’s condition. “Rishabh’s pretty good,” he stated. “He had some discomfort with his knee, but we’re hopeful he’ll be able to keep in this Test.” The team is exercising caution, especially considering Pant’s previous serious knee injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022.
Shubman Gill missed the Bengaluru Test due to neck stiffness but has been reported to be recovering well. “He’s got a little bit of discomfort, but I think he will be good to go for the Test,” ten Doeschate added, highlighting Gill’s return to full batting practice.
In addition to the potential return of Pant and Gill, India has strengthened its spin attack by including Washington Sundar in the squad. This decision comes ahead of a Pune pitch expected to assist spinners. Ten Doeschate clarified that the addition of Sundar is not a desperate measure but rather a strategic move to counter New Zealand’s left-handed batsmen.
“Look, we’ve got Axar [Patel] in the squad as well, and with four left-handers in their XI, we want the option to take the ball away from them,” he explained. Sundar has shown promising form in the domestic circuit, recently scoring 152 runs and taking six wickets in the Ranji Trophy.
Despite a rough outing in the first Test, where veteran spinner R Ashwin struggled, ten Doeschate reassured that Ashwin is fit and ready for the challenge. “He bowled nicely,” he said, downplaying concerns about Ashwin’s performance.
With the second Test approaching, India will aim to leverage the home advantage and turn the tide in the series. As preparations continue, the team will be closely monitoring the fitness of its key players in hopes of a solid performance in Pune.
