New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bat first in the second Test against India. Captain Tom Latham noted the pitch looked different from last week’s with less grass, expecting spin to play a key role. New Zealand made one change, with Mitchell Santner replacing Matt Henry due to a glute injury.

India, on the other hand, made three significant changes to their lineup. KL Rahul, Mohammad Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav are out, with Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill coming in. Rohit Sharma mentioned that they also would have preferred to bat and highlighted the importance of the first 10 overs on a dry surface.

New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah.

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.

India’s talented batter Sarfaraz Khan is set to miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Baroda on October 11. Following his match-winning performance in the Irani Cup last week, where he scored an unbeaten 222*, Sarfaraz will be at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for fitness assessments, according to reports.

Sarfaraz to Get a Call-up for IND vs NZ

With India’s Test squad announcement for the upcoming series against New Zealand imminent, Sarfaraz is expected to be in contention for a place. Mumbai will be playing Baroda in their opening Ranji Trophy game, followed by a home match against Maharashtra on October 18. These games coincide with the India-New Zealand Test series set to begin on October 16 in Bengaluru, where Sarfaraz could be a key inclusion.

Sarfaraz’s Irani Trophy Heroics

Sarfaraz’s recent heroics in the Irani Trophy saw him lead Mumbai to victory against the Rest of India team. His monumental 222-run knock in the first innings helped Mumbai post a total of 537 runs. Despite the match ending in a draw, Mumbai was declared the winner due to a higher first-innings score, further cementing Sarfaraz’s importance in the domestic circuit.

Mumbai Ranji Squad for First Two Matches

The Mumbai selectors have named the squad for their first two Ranji matches. The squad includes captain Ajinkya Rahane, along with notable names like Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer.

Mumbai Ranji Squad: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias.

The much-anticipated India squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand is set to be announced this week, with all eyes on the fitness of fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami, who has been in rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) following an ankle injury in November 2023, is racing against time to be fit for the series.

India’s Preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy

India, fresh off a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, will be looking to fine-tune their preparation ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The IND vs NZ Test series, starting October 16 in Bengaluru, will be crucial for both India’s form and preparation ahead of their marquee clash with Australia later in the year. The series is expected to provide valuable match practice as India aims to secure their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025.

Mohammed Shami’s Fitness in Question

Shami, a key figure in India’s pace attack, has been undergoing rehabilitation following ankle surgery. While the selectors are hopeful of his return, the BCCI has confirmed that they will not rush his comeback. If Shami is unable to recover in time for the first Test, scheduled for October 16, there is a possibility he could feature in the later stages of the series or be considered for the subsequent T20I series against South Africa.

“We are hopeful Shami will be available for the New Zealand series, but his fitness and injury assessment will determine when he can return. We won’t rush him,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.

Key Selections and Squad Decisions

Outside of Shami’s availability, there aren’t many major concerns regarding team selection. Despite some batting inconsistencies, the selectors are likely to stick with familiar faces, with KL Rahul expected to retain his spot, while Sarfaraz Khan will remain as a backup option. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are set to lead the pace attack, with Akash Deep expected to keep his place in the squad.

The possibility of Nitish Kumar Reddy receiving his maiden Test call-up is also on the cards. Having played only one international match so far, Reddy could be a surprise inclusion ahead of the Australia series.

Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur, recovering from illness and limited bowling in recent matches, will be monitored closely during the Ranji Trophy before any decisions are made about his inclusion in the Test squad.

Probable India Squad for NZ Test Series:

• Rohit Sharma (C)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• KL Rahul
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Akash Deep
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Yash Dayal
• Mohammed Shami (subject to fitness)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy

The first Test begins on October 16, with the series wrapping up on November 5, giving India crucial preparation time ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.