Washington Sundar, Akash Deep replace Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj for Pune Test. (PTI photo)R Senthilkumar

IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar, Akash Deep replace Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj for Pune Test

IND vs NZ: India made three changes for the Pune Test, bringing in Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and Shubman Gill for Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul.

by · India Today

In Short

  • India made 3 changes for the Pune Test
  • Matt Henry has been replaced by Mitchell Santner
  • India are trailing the 3-match Test series 1-0

India have rung in the changes for their second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The hosts roped in Washington Sundar, Akash Deep and Shubman Gill in places of Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul.

Siraj and Rahul faced backlash after not being able to perform to expectations in the opening Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kuldeep, on the other hand, has been in and out of the team despite performing to the best of his potential in the purest format.

Sundar made his debut in the historic Gabba Test back in January 2021. But since then, he has played only four Test matches. He has found his way back into the playing XI after last representing India in the Ahmedabad Test against England back in March 2021.

As far as Akash Deep is concerned, he has picked up eight wickets from three Tests in his career. After playing both Tests against Bangladesh, he missed the first Test against New Zealand.

For New Zealand, fast bowler Matt Henry has missed out due to a ‘niggle’, confirmed by skipper Tom Latham at the toss. In his place, the Kiwis roped in left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who not only strengthened their spin attack, but also added depth to their already strong batting unit.

India are looking to draw level in the series after losing the opening game by eight wickets. It was for the first time India lost a home Test to the Black Caps after 36 years.

Playing XIs for India vs New Zealand 2nd Test

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke