3 changes India must make in the second Test against New Zealand to level the series

After suffering a rare whitewash in the three-match ODI series, the number one-ranked Test side was expected to make a strong comeback in the five-day format against the Kiwis. A batting collapse in the first innings saw the visitors managing just 165 runs after Kane Williamson opted to bowl first on winning the toss.

The Indian batsmen had no answers to the fiery pace attack of Tim Southee and debutant Kyle Jamieson who shared eight wickets among them. In reply, the hosts scored 348 runs with Ishant Sharma being the chief-tormentor with the cherry for Virat Kohli’s men having finished with the figures of 5/68. India who were trailing by 183 runs, put up yet another disappointing display of batting as they bundled out for just 191 runs in the second innings.

New Zealand comfortably chased down the target of nine runs without a loss of single wicket thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. For the must-win second test match which begins on February 29^th at Christchurch, India must make several changes to their line-up to avoid yet another series whitewash on this tour.

Let us look at three changes Team India must make at Hagley Oval to level the Test series:

1. Shubman Gill in for Prithvi Shaw

Though there are no doubts regarding Prithvi Shaw’s batting credentials, the fact that he couldn’t make an impact in both the innings (scored 16 and 14 runs respectively) at Basin Reserve does not augur well for the 20-year-old to retain his spot for the second test. The conditions at Wellington made it difficult for the youngster to make a mark in Rohit Sharma’s absence at the top-of-the-order.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill who is yet to make his Test debut has been sensational with the bat for India A in the two unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A. The Punjab batsman who amassed 83 and 204* in the first game at Christchurch, continued his impressive run at Lincoln as he once again top-scored for his side with 136 runs off 190 balls.

Given his exploits in those two drawn test matches, he was expected to make the cut at Wellington despite stiff competition from Prithvi Shaw. Now that Shaw hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations, Gill might make his much-awaited Test debut at Hagley Oval. Unfortunately, the talented Shaw who is sure to make it big in future with age and talent on his side might have to make way for his 2018 Under 19 World Cup teammate in the next game.