As the much-anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand kicks off at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, the weather could play a big role in the proceedings. With a 60% chance of rain forecast for the next five days, including a potential washout on Day 1, the outcome could be influenced by the elements. However, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, remains the firm favorite, even if the weather interrupts play.
India’s formidable home record and recent dominance were on full display when they trounced Bangladesh in Kanpur despite losing two-and-a-half days to rain. Facing New Zealand this time, India will be up against a team struggling for form, especially with key batter Kane Williamson ruled out due to injury. After a 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka, the Kiwis arrive in India looking to improve, but with their best players missing, it will be a tough challenge.
India’s Winning Momentum
India enters the series on the back of a dominant 2-0 victory over Bangladesh, while New Zealand, without their talisman Williamson, appears weakened. Key players like Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway will need to step up for the visitors. However, their past performances against India have been less than impressive. Conway has managed just 36 runs in a Test against India, while Latham averages 32 over nine Tests.
The Kiwi batsmen will face a stern challenge from India’s bowling attack, led by R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, filling in for the injured Mohammed Shami, will further test New Zealand’s batting depth.
Key Players and Form Watch
Despite concerns over Shubman Gill’s availability due to a stiff neck, India has plenty of firepower in the form of Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who are ready to step in. New Zealand’s bowling relies heavily on Tim Southee, but the rest of the attack lacks depth. Spinner Ajaz Patel, who took 17 wickets in two matches during the 2021 series, remains a threat but will need support from the rest of the bowling unit.
For India, there is added motivation to secure their 18th consecutive home Test series win, with an eye on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli will be eager to regain form. Sharma has managed 497 runs in eight Tests this year at an average of 35, while Kohli has scored just 157 runs in three matches.
Probable XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner/Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
Match starts at 9:30 AM IST.