Rohit Sharma and Sarfaraz Khan (Screengrab Photo)
India and
New Zealand
faced off in the second
Test match
, with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first on a spin-friendly pitch in Pune.
New Zealand started strong in their first innings but faced setbacks due to India's spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took two crucial wickets by lunchtime on the first day. New Zealand reached 92-2 at the break. Ashwin dismissed New Zealand captain Tom Latham, who was trapped lbw for 15.
Ashwin also claimed the wicket of Will Young, who was caught behind for 18 after India reviewed the initial not-out decision.
Sarfaraz Khan, stationed at short leg, was adamant about a sound he heard when the ball supposedly knicked Young's glove. He urged, "Rohit bhai mere par bharosa rakho, ball lagi hai, review lo," convincing the team to opt for a review that proved successful.
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Watch: Sarfaraz Khan convincing Rohit Sharma
At lunch, Devon Conway was batting on 47 along with Rachin Ravindra on five. New Zealand bolstered their lineup with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, replacing the injured fast bowler Matt Henry.
India made several changes following their defeat in the first Test. Fit-again batsman Shubman Gill, Akash Deep, and spinner Washington Sundar were included in the team. Sarfaraz Khan retained his place after a significant performance in the first Test, while KL Rahul made way for Gill.
New Zealand concluded their innings with a total of 259 runs, with Washington Sundar claiming seven wickets. The Black Caps, aiming to secure their first Test series win in India, are looking to build on their opener victory in Bengaluru.
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