PUNE: ‘Home advantage’ seems to be the rallying call ahead of the second India-New Zealand Test starting here from Thursday. Already trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, India need a win, not just in a bid to clinch the series but also to keep them in the hunt for a
World Test Championship
final spot.
The importance of the match could be gauged by two contrasting practice sessions on Tuesday.
The visitors, who will again be without star batter Kane Williamson, had a three-hour stint in the morning. The match pitch was largely covered during this time. However, when the Indians arrived at 1:30 pm, the covers were removed and the pitch was allowed to breathe easy.
Long Rope for KL Rahul l Gill, Pant fit for 2nd Test l 2025 IPL Retentions | Beyond the Boundary
What followed was a game of instructions to the groundsmen. Captain Rohit Sharma, coach Gautam Gambhir, MCA curator Jyotiram Phalke and BCCI curators Ashish Bhowmick and Taposh Chatterjee were the centre of attraction. First, four members of the ground staff were seen scrubbing the entire 22-yard strip, with emphasis on certain areas. The pitch already looked devoid of grass before this exercise began.
Also See:Live Cricket Score
Then the grass cutter came out. Are India trying to edge the Kiwis out of the game before it begins? Or is it a simple case of utilising home conditions to the fullest?
Pant, Gill good to go; Rahul’s spot under the scanner
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that all is well with Rishabh Pant – who injured his knee in the Bengaluru Test – and he is in a position to keep wickets too. Pant was at the centre, looking eager to play and observing the pitch closely. Ten Doeschate also said there was nothing wrong with KL Rahul’s batting form but they (the team management) “have to fit seven pieces into six spots” as recovering top-order batter Shubman Gill is “go
