Pant and Gill Expected to Return for Pune Test Against New Zealand
With Pune's pitch expected to favor spin, India has bolstered its options by including Washington Sundar as a fourth spinner alongside Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Ten Doeschate dismissed suggestions that Washington’s inclusion was a result of desperation following the loss in Bengaluru.
India's hopes of bouncing back in the second Test against New Zealand are bolstered by the potential availability of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, as indicated by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. Both players missed significant portions of the series opener in Bengaluru, and their fitness updates come just two days ahead of the match.
Pant, who suffered a knee injury while attempting to stump Devon Conway during the first Test, is optimistic about returning to his wicketkeeping duties. He was forced to leave the field after a painful incident in the 37th over when he failed to collect a ball, resulting in Dhruv Jurel stepping in for the remainder of the innings and part of New Zealand's second innings. Ten Doeschate provided a positive update on Pant’s condition, saying, "Rishabh's pretty good... He was having a little bit of discomfort at the end range of his movement with the knee. But fingers crossed, he'll be good to keep in this Test as well."
Gill missed the Bengaluru Test due to neck stiffness but is also expected to be fit for selection. "He’s got a little bit of discomfort, but I think he will be good to go for the Test," ten Doeschate noted. The coaching staff remains cautious with Pant’s recovery, especially considering his previous serious knee injuries sustained in a car accident last December. Despite showing signs of discomfort while running between the wickets during the first Test, Pant managed to score a solid 99 runs in India's second innings.
In addition to the concerns over Pant and Gill, ten Doeschate clarified that spinner R Ashwin is not carrying any injuries despite a disappointing performance in the first Test. Ashwin bowled only two overs in New Zealand's successful chase of 107 runs, but ten Doeschate emphasized that Ashwin is "absolutely fine" and has regained his rhythm and pace.
Washington hasn't played Test cricket since March 2021 but has shown encouraging form in recent domestic matches, including a standout performance in the Ranji Trophy where he scored 152 runs and took six wickets. Ten Doeschate expressed confidence in Washington’s capabilities and highlighted the importance of rewarding domestic performances, stating, "It's certainly not a desperate measure. We've got a lot of faith in the spinners that we have."
As the team prepares for the upcoming Test, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the potential return of key players and the strategic decisions being made in response to the conditions expected in Pune.
