Gautam Gambhir press conference ahead of India vs New Zealand 2nd Test at Pune | IND vs NZ

Courtesy: BCCI

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, addressed a press conference at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begin on October 24, 2024. India, trailing 0-1 in the series, is under pressure to level the series in this critical match.

Gambhir discussed several key points during the press conference, focusing on team preparations, player fitness, and workload management. One of the major updates was about fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload will be closely monitored following the Pune Test. With an upcoming tour to Australia, Gambhir emphasized the importance of keeping Bumrah and other fast bowlers fresh for the long series, indicating that their workload will be adjusted based on the outcome of this match​

Another significant update was on the fitness of key players, including Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Gambhir confirmed that Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, is expected to return to the playing XI, having shown good progress in training. Meanwhile, Pant, who had sustained a knee injury during the first Test, will be fit to keep wickets in the second Test​

India will be looking to bounce back from their first Test defeat and keep their hopes alive in the series as they take on a strong New Zealand side in Pune.