India is gearing up to face New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, starting 24th October. With the pitch expected to assist spinners, India may field three frontline spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—in a must-win game to stay in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Black Soil Pitch to Provide Low Bounce and Slow Turn
According to reports from ESPN, the pitch in Pune has been prepared using black soil, which is known to generate less bounce compared to pitches in other venues like Bengaluru. This slower surface could heavily favour spin bowlers as the match progresses. Given the conditions, reverse swing may also come into play as the dry pitch roughens up over time. The toss will play a crucial role, with teams likely opting to bat first to take advantage of better batting conditions early on.
India’s Spin Trio Likely to Play Together
With the Pune pitch expected to assist turn from the early stages, India is likely to field all three spinners—Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Washington Sundar has also been added to the squad and could provide additional depth in both spin and batting if required. The spin strategy is crucial for India’s chances, especially after their first Test defeat in Bengaluru, where rain and cloud cover tilted the conditions in favour of fast bowlers.
India’s Record at Pune: A Mixed Bag
The MCA Stadium has hosted two Test matches so far, with contrasting results.
- 2017: India suffered a humiliating defeat to Australia by 333 runs, as spinners dominated the game, taking 31 of the 40 wickets. The pitch in that match received a “poor” rating from the ICC due to excessive cracks and spin from day one.
- 2019: In the second Test held at Pune, India bounced back with a commanding win against South Africa by an innings and 137 runs. Virat Kohli’s double century led the way, with the spinners once again playing a key role.
India’s highest Test score at this venue is 601/5, recorded during the 2019 game against South Africa, while the lowest score is 105, made against Australia in 2017.
Washington Sundar Joins the Squad for the Remaining Tests
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that all-rounder Washington Sundar will join the squad for the second and third Tests. Sundar, who has played four Tests so far, adds both bowling variety and batting depth. He will be available for selection in Pune, strengthening India’s spin-heavy approach.
Series on the Line: India Needs a Win to Stay Alive
After losing the first Test by eight wickets to New Zealand in Bengaluru, India is under pressure to win the next two matches to keep their WTC hopes alive. With conditions in Pune likely to suit spin, the team will be looking to capitalize on the surface and make a strong comeback.
The Pune Test is crucial not only for levelling the series but also for regaining momentum heading into the final Test. All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and the team’s performance as India aims to bounce back and stay in the race for the WTC final.
