With Team India on the brink of a historic series loss following a batting collapse on day two of the second Test in Pune, fans have called for the return of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the side. The two veterans haven't played for India in more than a year, with India giving opportunities to youngsters.
Both Rahane and Pujara have been the bedrock of India's Test dominance at home since 2012-13 and played instrumental roles in the twin series win in Australia. However, both have been dropped despite their decent form in the domestic circuit due to their inconsistent returns in the international arena. Pujara notably, has been heavily scoring in the domestic circuit and recently scored a double-hundred in the recent Ranji Trophy fixture.
The Saurashtra batter also has a healthy record against Australia and ground down their attacks on the way to their last two series wins Down Under. With Rahane averaging 38.46 in 85 Tests and Pujara averaging 43.60 in 103 matches, fans feel the pair's experience will be critical as India head to Australia next.
Below is how the netizens have reacted to Team India's batting collapse in Pune against New Zealand:
India's prestigious streak in jeopardy:
Having won the first Test by eight wickets in Bengaluru, the Kiwis have taken pole position to win the second game of the series as well. Mitchell Santner's seven-wicket haul spun their side to a 103-run lead after amassing a competitive 259 in their first dig.
After starting day two at 16-1, India lost six wickets in the powerplay, including Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), Shubman Gill (30), Virat Kohli (1), Rishabh Pant (18), and Sarfaraz Khan (11). Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar did put up some fight, but the Kiwi bowlers ensured the home side would get nowhere near the lead.
The tourists finished the day with a lead of 301.
