5 talking points from the 2nd Test between India and New Zealand

India’s 178 run victory over New Zealand sealed a 2-0 series victory with one more match to go. With this win, India regained the Number 1 spot in the Test rankings as they took over the reign from their arch rivals Pakistan.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 5 wicket haul and Wriddhiman Saha and Rohit Sharma’s heroics with the bat proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

#5 Time to move on from Shikhar Dhawan

Another Test and another poor show from the opening batsman. With Gautam Gambhir being recalled into the Test side, this particular match was probably a test for Shikhar Dhawan. And he failed. He has been the only team member who has had nothing to show for in the two games. After being given a chance to prove himself time and again, the time has finally come to move on.

Dhawan also picked up a thumb injury during the Test for which he will be facing 3 weeks on the sidelines. He has been ruled out of the 3^rd Test which will be held at Indore starting October 8.

It will be interesting to see if Gambhir is given a chance to prove himself in the final game. He definitely deserves a chance after consistently performing well in the domestic leagues.

#4 A good show for the pacers

Bhuvi’s 5 wicket haul helped India restrict New Zealand to 204

The decision to pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Umesh Yadav proved to be right. Along with Mohammed Shami, the duo were extremely impressive with the ball as they took a total of 8 wickets out of the 10 in the first innings. Bhuvi was the pick of the bowlers as he constantly troubled the New Zealand batsmen with the new ball. His five wicket haul in the first innings turned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Over the past few years, there have been a high number of rank turners produced for test matches in India. Due to this, the spinners have usually been the dominant force in the Test side as the pacers tend to be sidelined.

A slight change in the type of pitch for the 2^nd Test came as a breath of fresh air for the Indian fans as they witnessed the pacers take control and perform well.

#3 Kane Williamson’s absence affects New Zealand

Williamson will be looking to make a comeback in the 3^rd Test

It was evident that the Kiwis were missing the presence of their captain Kane Williamson. Williamson, who was ruled out of the Eden Gardens Test due to illness was replaced by Henry Nicholls, who had a poor show with the bat. Ross Taylor was the stand-in captain and did not have the impact that Williamson has on the team.

His calm demeanor and passion were certainly missed on the field as the Kiwis succumbed to a 178 run loss against India. Williamson was the highest scorer in the first innings of the first test match scoring 75 and putting on a vital partnership of 120 runs with Tom Latham.

He will look to come back stronger in the 3^rd Test against the home side at Indore.

#2 Rohit Sharma answers his critics

Rohit Sharma pulls one to the boundary. Photo courtesy: espncricinfo.com

Rohit Sharma’s match saving innings of 82 in the 2^nd innings proved to be the perfect reply to his critics. When India were struggling at 43-4, Rohit carried the team on his shoulders and led the recovery for the Indians. His performance led to India reaching a respectable total of 263 in their 2^nd innings.

Rohit has always been under the radar for his inconsistency in the longer format of the game. He has regularly been criticised for playing the wrong shot at the wrong time to get himself dismissed. This particular innings reminded us of what a great player he is and how important he is to the current set up.

#1 Wriddhiman Saha’s time has arrived

Saha was adjudged man of the match for his two fifties. Photo courtesy: espncricinfo.com

After being in the dark for a long time, it looks like Wriddhiman Saha has finally announced his mainstay in the Indian squad. Ever since Mahendra Singh Dhoni departed from the Indian test set up, Saha has not been able to fill the shoes of the former captain. His selection in the team was questioned by many, and Saha has finally answered them.

By scoring two consecutive half-centuries in both the innings, Saha turned out to be the match-winner for the Indians. He led the recovery for India in both the innings. In the first innings, India were in a spot of bother at 200-6, but his half century turned things around for them as they managed to score 316.

It was a similar story in the 2^nd innings. India were struggling at 122-6 when Saha walked out. Along with Rohit Sharma, the duo took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers as India managed 263. Saha was adjudged man of the match for his two fifties. He will look to carry his impressive form into the 3^rd and final Test.