Washington Sundar may replace Kuldeep in India XI for 2nd Test; Sarfaraz, Kohli spend hours in nets, Rahul takes break

As a convention more than a rule, the day before a Test match has become a day of optional training for India’s cricketers. As it is, they play so much and train so hard in the days leading up to a series that the three days between Tests are reserved for travel, recovery, a little bit of topping up and plenty of rest, especially for the bowling group.

It was no different at the MCA International Stadium on Wednesday, a day before the second Test against New Zealand. India had a full session, minus new father Sarfaraz Khan, on Tuesday afternoon; a few hours later, on Wednesday morning, less than a third of the 16-man squad went through its paces. Conspicuous among those who made the long trip from their hotel – nearly 30 kilometres away – was Virat Kohli, not necessarily in the best of international forms, as well as Sarfaraz and Shubman Gill, who missed the eight-wicket loss in the first Test with a stiff neck.