Shubman Gill, a key player for the Indian cricket team, has recovered from neck stiffness and is fit to play in the second Test against New Zealand. Gill missed the first Test in Bengaluru, which India lost. His absence was notable, especially in the first innings when India’s batting lineup struggled significantly, scoring only 46 runs, their third-lowest ever in Test matches.
India’s bowling coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, confirmed Gill’s return.”He looks so (available for the next game). He has a slight discomfort. He batted for a long in Bengaluru in the nets session. I think he will be fine for this Test,” Ten Doeschate said.
The second Test match will see India aiming to bounce back with Gill’s inclusion strengthening their batting lineup.
India eyes redemption in second Test against New Zealand
India, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for the second Test match against New Zealand after suffering an 8-wicket loss in Bengaluru. The second Test will take place from October 24 to October 28.
In the first Test, India set a target of 107 runs for New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah contributed with the ball for India, taking two wickets for 29 runs. However, New Zealand’s Will Young and Rachin Ravindra helped their team chase down the target with scores of 48* and 39*, respectively, securing a comprehensive victory.
India had a promising start in their second innings. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma scored 35 and 52 runs, respectively, and gave India a solid 72-run opening stand. Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz added 70 and 99 runs, respectively, building on the initial momentum. Despite these efforts, the new ball saw India lose seven wickets for 54 runs, largely due to William O’Rourke (3/92) and Matt Henry (3/102).
New Zealand, in their first innings, scored 402 in response to India’s 356. Rachin Ravindra scored 134 runs, while Tim Southee contributed 65 runs, lifting New Zealand from 233/7. Devon Conway also added a valuable 91 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets each for India.
Earlier, after electing to bat, India’s batting line-up struggled under overcast conditions, being bowled out for 46 runs. Only Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant reached double figures.
Both teams will be looking to secure a win in the second Test to gain momentum in the series.
