India has made three significant changes to its playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, aiming to level the three-match series after losing the first Test. Skipper Rohit Sharma announced the changes at the toss, with Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav being replaced by Akash Deep, Shubman Gill, and Washington Sundar.
Rahul’s exclusion was anticipated, while Sundar’s inclusion provides an additional off-spinner option against New Zealand’s left-handed batters. However, the most notable change is the omission of Siraj, who has struggled for form at home in recent times.
Siraj’s poor performances in the longest format at home in 2023 have raised concerns for the Indian team. Despite not playing in domestic cricket during the international break, Siraj failed to regain his form and rhythm. In the five Tests against England earlier this year, he managed only six wickets.
In the Hyderabad Test, Siraj went wicketless as England won by 28 runs. He missed the second Test in Vizag but returned strongly in the first innings of the Rajkot Test. However, he was wicketless in the second innings.
Siraj’s struggles continued in the Ranchi and Dharamsala Tests against England, where he managed only two wickets and went wicketless, respectively. In the Bangladesh Test series at home, Siraj had not played domestic cricket prior and managed only two wickets in Chennai. He also bagged only two wickets in the Kanpur Test, further raising concerns about his home performances.
In the first Test against New Zealand, Siraj grabbed two wickets in the first innings but went wicketless in the second. In contrast, Akash Deep has impressed in his recent outings, including a nine-wicket haul in a Duleep Trophy game and a strong performance against Bangladesh.
Akash Deep’s accurate line and lengths have troubled batters, and his impressive form, coupled with Siraj’s underperformance, has earned him the nod for the second New Zealand Test.
