Shubman Gill is expected to return the playing for India, as they take on New Zealand in the second Test, in Pune.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir been criticised by fans on social media for dropping KL Rahul for India vs New Zealand 2nd Test. A day before the game, Gambhir had backed KL Rahul hinting that he will be retained in the playing XI.

Batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate says Shubman Gill, who had a neck strain, is 'good to go' for the Pune Test; Sarfaraz Khan is coming off a maiden Test century, but captain Rohit Sharma had said he wanted to give KL Rahul time at No.

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bat first at the Maharashtra cricket association stadium in Pune. Shubman Gill has replaced KL Rahul in the India playing XI for today.

Sarfaraz Khan, who went in as Gill’s replacement in Be­ngaluru, where India lost by eight wickets, made a statem­ent with his 150 in the second innings under enormous pressure. His counterattacking knock kept India in the fight after being dismissed for a team total of 46 in thefirst innings.

The pressure is mounting on Rahul as Shubman Gill is expected to return and Sarfaraz Khans outstanding form cannot be ignored. The Karnataka-born batter has struggled in the three Test matches India has played on home turf.

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir had supported KL Rahul ahead of the second Test match, but his absence from the playing XI raises concerns about the team management's view on KL Rahul's position

New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bat first at the Maharashtra cricket association stadium in Pune.

New Zealand won the toss Thursday and decided to bat in the second cricket test against India, hoping to clinch the three-test series with a win in the western Maharashtra state city of Pune. India trails the three-match series 1-0 after New Zealand beat the home side by eight wickets in the first test.