India Playing XI: Sarfaraz Khan over KL Rahul, and is it time to bench Mohammed Siraj?

NEW DELHI: With India preparing for the crucial second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, the focus is on selecting the right playing XI after a disappointing defeat in the series opener.

The hosts were comprehensively beaten by eight wickets in Bengaluru, where they managed a mere 46 runs in their first innings, raising questions about their batting depth and strategy.

With the series at stake, India need to make calculated changes to bounce back and level the series before their challenging tour of Australia.

The team selection poses several dilemmas for coach Gautam Gambhir . Shubman Gill , now fit to play, could make a return, likely at the expense of KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan .

While Sarfaraz’s impressive 150 in the first Test warrants his inclusion, Rahul’s experience cannot be overlooked.

The batting order will also rely heavily on senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli , both of whom have struggled recently and will be eager to regain form.

Yashasvi Jaiswal , aiming to recover from a tough opening game, will be crucial as well.

On the bowling front, India might look to introduce Akash Deep as Mohammed Siraj ’s lacklustre performances continue.

With the pitch at the MCA Stadium expected to aid spin, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will lead the spin attack, while Washington Sundar could join them to counter New Zealand's left-handers.

Despite missing their star batter Kane Williamson, New Zealand will rely on the likes of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell for stability in the batting lineup. The contest promises to be fiercely competitive, with India eager to rectify their mistakes and New Zealand looking to assert their dominance.

India's Possible XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep/Mohammed Siraj