IND vs NZ: 3 Changes India might make for the second Test against New Zealand

2. Mohammed Siraj in place of Ishant Sharma

Similar to the batting lineup, the responsibility for the Indian seam attack too was handed over to the youngsters and supported by a senior player. Not often do you see an Indian pace attack that doesn’t feature Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. This meant that the responsibility to lead the attack solely rested on Ishant Sharma’s shoulders.

While Ishant was probing in his spell, he was unable to provide the much-needed breakthrough which the Kiwi pacers managed to. In a two-Test series like the one being played, failures often get noticed more. The fact that the Kiwi openers were able to navigate through the opening attack and build a threatening partnership has naturally bought the focus on Ishant’s performance.

An aggressive bowler like Mohammed Siraj will prove to be a handful to deal in a track like the Wankhede. His varying pace and aggressive approach could just be what the Indian attack will need to make the initial breakthroughs into the Kiwi lineup. 

It might be unfair to Ishant Sharma considering how he has stepped up to the role over the years, and the fact that he is the senior-most player in the squad. However, a player like Siraj, with fire in his belly, looking to always stamp his authority as a bowler, will be what India needs in the first two days of the Test.