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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-tim-southee-stuns-ravi-ashwin-with-a-ripper-of-a-delivery-in-wellington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tim Southee</a> 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 29th 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

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-398407" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw-and-Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398407" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/christchurchs-hagley-oval-set-to-host-the-final-of-womens-world-cup-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hagley Oval</a>. 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.

2. Ravindra Jadeja in for Ravichandran Ashwin

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-373854" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-and-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-373854" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Despite picking up three wickets (3/99), Ashwin might be dropped for the next fixture having failed to contribute with the bat in the first test match. The off-spinner has undoubtedly been a champion bowler for Team India especially in the longer format given his variations and the ability to provide breakthroughs irrespective of the conditions.

But his scores (0 and 4 runs) at Wellington when the team needed the lower order to come good might hand Ravindra Jadeja a place in the XI during the second test match. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler who is known for his athleticism on the field has been contributing vital runs for Virat Kohli’s men in test matches despite coming lower down the order.

Keeping in mind the batting collapse at Wellington, India might bring in Jadeja who has provided the confidence for the team with his much-improved batting performance over the last year or so. Moreover, in Hanuma Vihari who has five test wickets to his name with the best figures being 3/37, the visitors have got a useful part-time off-spinner in Ashwin’s absence. Hence, one might expect Ashwin to make way for Jadeja at Christchurch.

3. Navdeep Saini in for Jasprit Bumrah

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-317472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Navdeep-Saini.jpg" alt="Navdeep Saini" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-317472" class="wp-caption-text">Navdeep Saini. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

This might be really surprising but given Bumrah’s moderate outing with the ball and with the team desperately in need of a win to avoid yet another series whitewash on this tour, Kohli might be forced to make this change.  It is not because of the change in perception after just one poor inning, but to ease the pressure off the Mumbai Indians star and to avoid the over-reliance on him.

It is unfair to expect Bumrah to perform well in each and every game and with a proven pacer like Saini on the bench, the team management must give Bumrah a break. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-clean-bowls-jimmy-neesham-with-a-peach-of-a-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohammed Shami </a>is capable of providing breakthroughs irrespective of the pitch conditions while Ishant Sharma has proved his credentials once again with a five-wicket haul at Wellington.

Playing alongside two senior pacers (Ishant and Shami), Saini would be confident enough to replicate his white-ball success in tests as well. Capable of tormenting batsmen with his pace, the fiery Saini who is now ready for Test cricket just needs to get his length right to increase his chances of getting wickets. Though there are no doubts regarding Bumrah’s credentials, Kohli might have to take this decision as the visitors can’t afford to lose this game.

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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-tim-southee-stuns-ravi-ashwin-with-a-ripper-of-a-delivery-in-wellington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tim Southee</a> 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 29th 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:
<h3>1. Shubman Gill in for Prithvi Shaw</h3>
<figure id="attachment_398407" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-398407" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-398407" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw-and-Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398407" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/christchurchs-hagley-oval-set-to-host-the-final-of-womens-world-cup-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hagley Oval</a>. 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.

<h3>2. Ravindra Jadeja in for Ravichandran Ashwin</h3>
<figure id="attachment_373854" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-373854" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-373854" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-and-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-373854" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Despite picking up three wickets (3/99), Ashwin might be dropped for the next fixture having failed to contribute with the bat in the first test match. The off-spinner has undoubtedly been a champion bowler for Team India especially in the longer format given his variations and the ability to provide breakthroughs irrespective of the conditions.
But his scores (0 and 4 runs) at Wellington when the team needed the lower order to come good might hand Ravindra Jadeja a place in the XI during the second test match. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler who is known for his athleticism on the field has been contributing vital runs for Virat Kohli’s men in test matches despite coming lower down the order.
Keeping in mind the batting collapse at Wellington, India might bring in Jadeja who has provided the confidence for the team with his much-improved batting performance over the last year or so. Moreover, in Hanuma Vihari who has five test wickets to his name with the best figures being 3/37, the visitors have got a useful part-time off-spinner in Ashwin’s absence. Hence, one might expect Ashwin to make way for Jadeja at Christchurch.

<h3>3. Navdeep Saini in for Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure id="attachment_317472" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-317472" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-317472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Navdeep-Saini.jpg" alt="Navdeep Saini" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-317472" class="wp-caption-text">Navdeep Saini. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
This might be really surprising but given Bumrah’s moderate outing with the ball and with the team desperately in need of a win to avoid yet another series whitewash on this tour, Kohli might be forced to make this change. &nbsp;It is not because of the change in perception after just one poor inning, but to ease the pressure off the Mumbai Indians star and to avoid the over-reliance on him.
It is unfair to expect Bumrah to perform well in each and every game and with a proven pacer like Saini on the bench, the team management must give Bumrah a break. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-clean-bowls-jimmy-neesham-with-a-peach-of-a-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohammed Shami </a>is capable of providing breakthroughs irrespective of the pitch conditions while Ishant Sharma has proved his credentials once again with a five-wicket haul at Wellington.
Playing alongside two senior pacers (Ishant and Shami), Saini would be confident enough to replicate his white-ball success in tests as well. Capable of tormenting batsmen with his pace, the fiery Saini who is now ready for Test cricket just needs to get his length right to increase his chances of getting wickets. Though there are no doubts regarding Bumrah’s credentials, Kohli might have to take this decision as the visitors can’t afford to lose this game.

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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/new-zealand-vs-india-tim-southee-stuns-ravi-ashwin-with-a-ripper-of-a-delivery-in-wellington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tim Southee</a> 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 29th 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:
<h3>1. Shubman Gill in for Prithvi Shaw</h3>
<figure id="attachment_398407" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-398407" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-398407" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prithvi-Shaw-and-Shubman-Gill.jpg" alt="Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-398407" class="wp-caption-text">Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
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 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/christchurchs-hagley-oval-set-to-host-the-final-of-womens-world-cup-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hagley Oval</a>. 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.

<h3>2. Ravindra Jadeja in for Ravichandran Ashwin</h3>
<figure id="attachment_373854" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-373854" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-373854" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja-and-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-373854" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Despite picking up three wickets (3/99), Ashwin might be dropped for the next fixture having failed to contribute with the bat in the first test match. The off-spinner has undoubtedly been a champion bowler for Team India especially in the longer format given his variations and the ability to provide breakthroughs irrespective of the conditions.
But his scores (0 and 4 runs) at Wellington when the team needed the lower order to come good might hand Ravindra Jadeja a place in the XI during the second test match. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler who is known for his athleticism on the field has been contributing vital runs for Virat Kohli’s men in test matches despite coming lower down the order.
Keeping in mind the batting collapse at Wellington, India might bring in Jadeja who has provided the confidence for the team with his much-improved batting performance over the last year or so. Moreover, in Hanuma Vihari who has five test wickets to his name with the best figures being 3/37, the visitors have got a useful part-time off-spinner in Ashwin’s absence. Hence, one might expect Ashwin to make way for Jadeja at Christchurch.

<h3>3. Navdeep Saini in for Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure id="attachment_317472" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-317472" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-317472" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Navdeep-Saini.jpg" alt="Navdeep Saini" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-317472" class="wp-caption-text">Navdeep Saini. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
This might be really surprising but given Bumrah’s moderate outing with the ball and with the team desperately in need of a win to avoid yet another series whitewash on this tour, Kohli might be forced to make this change.  It is not because of the change in perception after just one poor inning, but to ease the pressure off the Mumbai Indians star and to avoid the over-reliance on him.
It is unfair to expect Bumrah to perform well in each and every game and with a proven pacer like Saini on the bench, the team management must give Bumrah a break. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammed-shami-clean-bowls-jimmy-neesham-with-a-peach-of-a-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohammed Shami </a>is capable of providing breakthroughs irrespective of the pitch conditions while Ishant Sharma has proved his credentials once again with a five-wicket haul at Wellington.
Playing alongside two senior pacers (Ishant and Shami), Saini would be confident enough to replicate his white-ball success in tests as well. Capable of tormenting batsmen with his pace, the fiery Saini who is now ready for Test cricket just needs to get his length right to increase his chances of getting wickets. Though there are no doubts regarding Bumrah’s credentials, Kohli might have to take this decision as the visitors can’t afford to lose this game.

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

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.

3. Navdeep Saini in for Jasprit Bumrah