PUNE: It’s not common for India to lose a Test match at home, but the first Test defeat to New Zealand has given the team a lot to think about before the second Test in Pune, starting Thursday.

Former India opener and coach WV Raman remains confident in the team. “India won’t let this defeat in Bengaluru affect them,” he said. “This team knows how to bounce back and will keep playing aggressive cricket.”

There will likely be changes in the playing XI for the second Test, not just because India is trailing, but also due to the expected difference in the Gahunje pitch and the return of Shubman Gill. The 25-year-old batter is expected to be fit, and if India sticks to their five-batter, five-bowler strategy, KL Rahul might have to sit out after Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive 150 runs. “It’s a good problem to have,” said Raman. “A young player like Sarfaraz performing well is a positive sign.” Raman also mentioned that if India sees Rahul as a key player for the Australia tour, he should get some game time to regain form.

India has other important considerations as well. They need to focus on winning the Test to level the series while keeping an eye on the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and the upcoming Australia series. Managing the workload of key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah is crucial. Rohit Sharma has already highlighted the need to be cautious with Pant, who didn’t keep wickets in the first Test but scored a vital 99 with the bat. It remains to be seen if Pant will be risked in Pune.

The addition of Washington Sundar to the squad adds further complexity. Sundar is a left-handed batter and off-spinner, and his inclusion could mean one of the spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin or Kuldeep Yadav—might be dropped. Sundar’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy (152 runs and six wickets) could strengthen India’s middle order. However, left-arm spinner Axar Patel is also a strong contender. Raman views Sundar as a batting all-rounder and even suggested that he could open the innings, although resting Yashasvi Jaiswal at this point might not make sense.

There’s also the possibility of Akash Deep replacing the underperforming Mohammed Siraj. This could help India in the long run, especially with questions around Mohammed Shami’s availability for the Australia tour. Akash Deep could benefit from playing time if he’s being considered as a third pacer for that series.

India’s defeat in Bengaluru means Bumrah likely can’t be rested, but Pant’s fitness is another concern. Pant took injections after injuring his knee during New Zealand’s first innings but managed to score 99. According to BCCI sources, he should recover in time to keep wickets in the second Test, though his condition will be closely monitored.

With so many factors at play, the second Test in Pune will be crucial for India as they look to level the series and prepare for future challenges.