India's decision to make three changes for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune has sparked criticisms from cricket experts. Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble, both former Indian captains, expressed surprise over some of the selections, especially the inclusion of Washington Sundar.
After losing the first Test in Bengaluru, India dropped KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav. These changes have led some to wonder whether the team is panicking ahead of the crucial match.
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What were the three changes India made for the second Test against New Zealand?
Shubman Gill in for KL Rahul
India made alterations to their playing XI for the Pune Test. Shubman Gill returned after recovering from a stiff neck, replacing KL Rahul, who struggled in the first Test.
Akash Deep replaced Mohammad Siraj
Akash Deep was brought in for Mohammad Siraj as the second pacer, as India opted to stick with a three-spinner and two-pacer strategy at Pune, after the latter's failure of impact matches with regular wickets.
Washington Sundar in for Kuldeep Yadav
While Washington Sundar was only recently added to the squad, he was tasked to immediately replace Kuldeep Yadav at Pune, hinting at a th eteam potentially strengthening their batting unit.
New Zealand made only one change, bringing in Mitchell Santner for Matt Henry.
How did Sunil Gavaskar react to India's changes for the second Test against New Zealand?
Sunil Gavaskar raised concerns about India's decisions, suggesting that the team might have panicked after the Bengaluru loss.
"I see a bit of panic. You don't make changes unless there is panic in the team. Mohammad Siraj has bowled well but not picked up wickets. that is why Akash Deep has been given a look in. KL Rahul performed well at Kanpur but he has been lacking runs, and Shubman Gill has been consistent batter," said Sunil Gavaskar on air.
Gavaskar highlighted the inclusion of Washington Sundar as a surprising move. He said that India may have been worried about their batting lineup, and Sundar's selection was likely to add depth to the lower order.
He also questioned the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, stating that the wrist-spinner could have been effective against New Zealand's left-handed batsmen.
"Washington Sundar's inclusion was surprising - it means they are worried about their batting. He will give India a cushion in the lower order. There are also talks that he will be useful against left-handers, but I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav with his wrist spin turning the ball off the pitch," he added.
Anil Kumble, another former India captain, expressed similar surprise, particularly about Sundar's immediate inclusion. Kumble believed that while Gill and Deep's selection made sense, Sundar's place in the playing XI over Axar Patel was unexpected.
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull also shared his views, suggesting that India's changes didn't signal panic, but he found them surprising. Doull pointed out that the team had previously stressed backing players, but after just one Test match, some of those players were dropped.
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He specifically mentioned the case of KL Rahul, who performed well in previous matches but was omitted after a poor game in the opening Test.
The three changes made by India for the Pune Test have raised eyebrows among experts, with Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble questioning the team's strategy. While there may be valid reasons behind these selections, the pressure is on India to bounce back and level the series. The ongoing Test will reveal if these decisions were the right ones.
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