India vs New Zealand Live Score, 2nd Test Day 1: New Zealand Opt to Bat First, Shubman Gill Replaces KL Rahul

Live Updates: The much-anticipated 2nd Test between India and New Zealand kicked off today at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma admitted he would have preferred to bat as well on what seems to be a batting-friendly surface.

Big Selection Decisions for India

India has made a key change, with Shubman Gill returning to the side, replacing the struggling KL Rahul at the top of the order. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has been declared fit, leaving Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir with a tough call regarding the playing XI. The team also includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

New Zealand's Injury Concerns

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be without their regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is still unfit for this match. Stand-in captain Tom Latham, who led the Kiwis to a historic win in Bengaluru, will once again lead the side. Despite Williamson's absence, New Zealand remains confident after their 36-year drought-breaking victory over India in the previous Test.

Key Players to Watch

For India, Shubman Gill's return to form could play a critical role, while bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be looking to dismantle the New Zealand batting lineup. In the Kiwi camp, players like Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell are expected to step up in the absence of Williamson.

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel.

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy.

Stay tuned for live updates and key moments as the game progresses.