Against all expectations, Team India has lost the series to New Zealand. At the start of the series, no one expected that the Indian team would lose a Test series at home. However, due to poor performances from the batsmen, India faced defeat. India lost the first Test by 8 wickets and the second Test by 113 runs. This loss means that Team India has lost a home Test series for the first time in 12 years. Now, the third Test will be played at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and Team India must win this match to avoid a clean sweep.
Jaiswal’s Impressive Performance in the Second Test
Rohit Sharma has struggled to perform well in the series against New Zealand and has failed badly. His opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, scored a solid 77 runs in the second Test. India remained competitive as long as Jaiswal was at the crease, but after his dismissal, the Indian batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards. Both players are likely to open again in the third Test.
Gill Could Play at Number Three
Shubman Gill may get a chance at number three. He missed the first Test due to an injury and could not perform well in the second, scoring just 30 and 23 runs. Star batsman Virat Kohli is almost certain to come in at number four. Kohli scored a half-century in the first Test, but he couldn’t score much in the second, where New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner dismissed him in both innings.
Pant Likely for Wicketkeeping Duties
Rishabh Pant may be given wicketkeeping duties. He batted well in the first Test, scoring 99 runs. Sarfaraz Khan grabbed attention by scoring 150 runs in the first Test. He has been included in Team India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. Sarfaraz is difficult to dismiss once he settles at the crease.
Dinesh Karthik Has Called for Bumrah to Rest
After the New Zealand series, India will tour Australia for a five-Test series. Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial there. Bumrah has played four consecutive Test matches, so team management and captain Rohit Sharma may consider resting him. Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has also requested that Bumrah be rested, with Mohammed Siraj as a likely replacement.
In the second Test, Washington Sundar made an impressive performance, taking a total of 10 wickets in the match. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja might also be included in the Mumbai Test. While they didn’t excel in the second Test, both players have previously won countless matches for Team India and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Probable Playing XI for India in the Third Test:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep