India looks to maintain their dominance at home, but rain threatens to disrupt their Test against a rebuilding New Zealand side in Bengaluru
India’s strong form at home presents a formidable challenge. They are well-rounded with a solid mix of experience and form across their squad. The upcoming Test provides opportunities for key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who underperformed in the recent series against Bangladesh, to bounce back ahead of their series in Australia.
India finds themselves in a similar situation to the one they faced at the start of their last Test in Kanpur, with rain once again posing a potential threat to play. With crucial World Test Championship points on the line, they will be hoping for a full game to push for a result in their favor. Despite the weather, India starts as favorites in familiar home conditions against a New Zealand team that is struggling with a transition phase. However, the wet conditions in Bengaluru may give New Zealand some relief.
The visitors come into the match after a 2-0 series loss to Sri Lanka, a change in leadership, and without their star player Kane Williamson. In addition to these challenges, their preparation in India has been disrupted by bad weather, making it even harder to adjust to the conditions against a strong Indian team. While New Zealand may be at a disadvantage, they will rely on the experience of players like Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, who have had exposure to Indian conditions in white-ball cricket. Tom Latham, now leading the team full-time, has scored five half-centuries, and veterans like Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel will try to channel their past successes in India.
New Zealand will need all the confidence they can gather for this daunting Test series, as India presents a tough challenge, particularly at home, where their team is strong on all fronts. India also has room for improvement, with key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli eager to bounce back after failing to score a fifty in the recent series against Bangladesh.
Match Information:
- When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 09:30 AM IST
- Where: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Conditions: Rain is expected to impact the first day, and the cool overhead conditions could help New Zealand settle in. The pitch has been covered, and the moisture could influence team decisions, possibly prompting both sides to consider extra pace options.
India’s Team News:
India managed to squeeze in one full practice session, though rain disrupted their plans on the day before the game. Shubman Gill was limited in his participation, while Sarfaraz Khan joined slip-catching drills. A minor injury to Gill might lead to a direct replacement. India may field three seamers again in light of the conditions, potentially retaining the same bowling line-up for a third consecutive Test.
India’s Probable XI:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (or Sarfaraz Khan), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand’s Team News:
Will Young will likely replace the absent Kane Williamson. Should New Zealand opt for three pacers, Mitchell Santner’s spot might be in jeopardy, with Matt Henry ready to step in.
New Zealand’s Probable XI:
Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner/Matt Henry, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
Key Facts:
- Virat Kohli is just 53 runs away from reaching 9,000 Test runs but hasn't scored a fifty in his last six innings.
- New Zealand has never won a Test series in India and last won a Test match in the country back in 1988.
- Teams in India haven’t opted to chase in three consecutive Tests, a record that might change in Bengaluru.
India captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the uncertainty of the conditions, indicating that India would decide on their team selection closer to the game after assessing the conditions. "We keep our options open for playing three seamers and three spinners as well... I expect to have a full game. That will be ideal. But let’s come here tomorrow and see what lies in front of us," said Rohit.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham highlighted the challenge of winning away from home, particularly in India, where teams need to play exceptionally well. "India is a well-rounded side... We are going to have to play really well, and we are looking forward to the challenge," Latham noted, expressing confidence that New Zealand will lean on past experiences in India for this crucial series.
