Shubman Gill returned to India's playing XI as New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat in the second Test in Pune on Thursday.

Head Coach Gautam Gambhir had supported KL Rahul ahead of the second Test match, but his absence from the playing XI raises concerns about the team management's view on KL Rahul's position

Shubman Gill missed the first Test between India and New Zealand due to a stiff neck, while Rishabh Pant's participation was limited majorly to the batting role as he was replaced on the field by Dhruv Jurel after getting hurt on his knee.

Gill misses out, not 100%, so Sarfaraz comes in and Kuldeep in for Akash Deep," Rohit said at the toss. ALSO ON ABP LIVE | Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill Continue To Inflict Misery On Bangladesh After Najmul Hossain Shanto Drops A Sitter | VIDEO Notably,

Shubman Gill is expected to return the playing for India, as they take on New Zealand in the second Test, in Pune.