Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels India might go for a rank-turner to bring veteran spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja into play in the second Test match against New Zealand. 

India suffered an eight-wicket loss against the Kiwis at Bengaluru after they were bowled out for a paltry score of 46 runs in the first innings, which is their lowest score in home conditions. 

This was India’s first Test loss against India after a long gap of 36 years. In fact, India has got the positive results while playing on decent pitches, which have had assistance for both pacers and spinners in home conditions.

“The pressure is more on the curators now for the next two Test matches. I think one of the big takeaways was how Ashwin and Jadeja didn’t quite make an impact on an Indian pitch that had a bit of turn. So obviously, they need more help, and that will be given,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

“I guess India can win with seamers as well, but New Zealand seamers will use those conditions maybe as good or even better than the Indian seamers,” he added

On the other hand, Manjrekar feels a rank-turner will make life easier for India in the second Test.

“I see India coming back, and even in the first Test, there was some champion performances that they put in after getting 46. To be competing right till the very end was just incredible. So, it is a very dangerous team with match winners who have great self belief. If the pitch turns out to be a rank-turner, it will make India’s life that much easier,” Manjrekar said in the same interview.

The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune from Thursday onwards.