Pune Weather Forecast: Will Rain Impact India vs New Zealand 2nd Test After Bengaluru Defeat?

Despite putting up a strong fight, India fell short as New Zealand secured an eight-wicket victory. However, India can find solace in the fact that the weather forecast for the second Test is favorable, promising five days of uninterrupted play. India will be looking to bounce back and level the series.

Pune is set to offer a “blend of sun and clouds” with temperatures hovering around the early 30s, a cloud cover starting at 58% and gradually reducing to 43% by the afternoon. The outlook should enable favourable batting and bowling conditions, avoiding the kind of disruptions that can affect rhythm and strategy.

Importantly, there’s little chance of rain, so the Indian side can focus fully on improving their performance rather than worrying about the weather. On Thursday (Day 1), the weather conditions are expected to be largely clear, with scattered clouds through the afternoon.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, will be eager to make up for the side’s disappointing start. With Washington Sundar added to the squad, India may benefit from his off-spin and lower-order batting on what is expected to be a spinner-friendly track.

Sundar’s inclusion could give India an edge in a match where they will need every bit of help they can get, especially since their bowling attack was largely ineffective against New Zealand’s composed batting in Bengaluru.

The Kiwis will be without their premier batter Kane Williamson once again, who remains sidelined due to injury. This could open an opportunity for India, but the New Zealand squad has shown that they are more than capable of stepping up in Williamson's absence.

With better weather forecasts and both teams looking to gain the upper hand, the second Test promises to be an intense contest in Pune.