IND vs NZ: Dinesh Karthik hails India spinners to make 'comeback' in Pune Test

Dinesh Karthik backed Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja to bounce back in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, following a disappointing outing in Bengaluru where the team struggled to defend a low target.

In Short

• India spinners failed to take wickets in the second innings
• Karthik expressed confidence in spinners' potential to rebound strongly
• India suffered their lowest-ever home Test total of 46 runs

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has backed Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja to make a strong comeback in their second Test against New Zealand in Pune, following their disappointing performance in the first Test in Bengaluru. India suffered a 7-wicket defeat after failing to defend a modest target of 107 runs.

In a conversation with CricBuzz, Karthik emphasised that the spinners will likely use the defeat in Bengaluru as motivation to push themselves to regain form in the upcoming Test. He believes they have the potential to bounce back strongly.

Bengaluru Test, Day 5 Highlights

"I wouldn't think too much into the Indian Spinners, they didn't have their best Test as a unit. Be it Jadeja, be it Kuldeep, and Ashwin for sure. Which is good, because you want these players to feel the pinch, because when they come back they come back harder. I believe the conditions will suit them a lot more in Pune, and you will see Ashwin and Jadeja having a good game," Karthis said.

India's first Test was marred by a disastrous start, being bowled out for just 46 runs, their lowest-ever total in home Tests. This early collapse weighed heavily on the team and contributed significantly to their defeat. Despite India’s bowling unit performing well in recent Test series against England and Bangladesh, the spinners struggled to make an impact in Bengaluru.

In the second innings of the first Test, none of India's spinners could pick up a wicket. Although Jadeja and Kuldeep managed to claim three wickets each in the first innings, veteran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, took just one. This raised concerns about their ability to handle pressure in critical situations.

As India looks ahead to the second Test in Pune, there is uncertainty surrounding the team combination that captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir will opt for. However, Karthik believes this next match presents a golden opportunity for the spinners to prove their worth and regain their rhythm. A strong performance from Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep will be crucial in helping India level the series and bounce back from their defeat in Bengaluru.