As New Zealand’s cricket team embarks on its latest Test mission to India, they are led by Tom Latham, a familiar face in the realm of Test captaincy. Latham has long filled the role with adeptness during interim periods, stepping into the leadership void whenever required. This time, however, he arrives in India bearing the full weight of official responsibility—this is now his squad, and his leadership is no longer a temporary measure. It’s a position that brings with it concerns of form, consistency, and the unavoidable challenges of transition, as this New Zealand team is clearly in the midst of transformative change.
Throughout cricket’s storied 137-year history, it’s been demonstrated time and again that the evolution of a Test side is not always a straightforward affair. Only a few short years ago, under the guidance of stalwarts like Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, New Zealand clinched the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title by defeating India in a tense final in Southampton. That victory was a high-water mark achieved through a methodical blend of talent and determination, leaving behind a legacy that is now being recalibrated in response to unavoidable team evolution. Since that evening of triumph in June 2021, the paths of New Zealand and India’s Test teams have diverged significantly.
In the WTC cycle from 2021 to 2023 and beyond into 2023 onwards, India’s ability to incorporate new talent into the fabric of their team has been remarkable. The retirement of seasoned players like Ishant Sharma and the reduced roles of others such as Umesh Yadav have been handled with a deft touch, ensuring India’s bowling attack remains a force to be reckoned with. The metamorphosis of India’s middle order is equally telling. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, both once vital cogs in the Indian batting machine, now find their places under scrutiny, although not definitively closed. The emergence of Shubman Gill and others has revealed India’s intent to not only replace talent but to innovate it. Their encounter with England earlier this year highlighted India’s depth and resilience, with young players like Sarfaraz and Dhruv Jurel immediately making their mark.
The Indian team’s fabric is further enhanced with Rishabh Pant’s robust return from his injury hiatus, now ready for another pivotal Australian tour.
. The bowling department, missing the incisive Mohammed Shami, saw Akash Deep stepping up effectively in a series against Bangladesh, staking his claim as a worthy third pacer, and hinting at his potential to contribute on tougher overseas assignments. With players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin nearing their twilight years in Test cricket, India wisely plans to utilize their unique skills at the next big stage in the WTC final of 2025, if the scenario arises.
For New Zealand, the necessity to pivot ideas and adapt mid-cycle has been a rougher enterprise. Kyle Jamieson, who sparkled during that victorious Test finale of 2021, has seen limited involvement due to ongoing injury concerns. Similarly, captain Kane Williamson has been absent in six of their 23 Test matches post-title, challenging team stability. Exacerbating these difficulties was Trent Boult’s departure from the national contract and subsequent retirement, alongside Neil Wagner’s retirement in 2024 after struggling with injuries. Consistent performers, notably Tim Southee, come with form challenges of their own, adding to New Zealand’s current puzzle in the Test arena.
While players like Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway have delivered sparks of brilliance, their sporadic successes have proved insufficient against the robust, consistent pressure exerted by teams like India, particularly on their home turf. Touring India for a Test series is an undertaking fraught with complications, as England and Bangladesh can attest from their own recent experiences.
New Zealand must now rely on emerging talents like William O’Rourke, who represents the new blood in their bowling attack. O’Rourke faces the daunting task of supporting an inconsistent Southee against a rather dynamic Indian batting lineup unafraid to defy traditional Test conventions. The results of this tour could define the trajectory for New Zealand’s evolving team, especially as they continue to adapt post-transition from their championship-winning phase.
As they landed in India, the disparity in Test cricket footprints between India and New Zealand starkly mirrored the unique challenges and goals facing each. India’s recent improbable comeback in Kanpur contrasted sharply with New Zealand’s struggles in Galle. Hence, Tom Latham and his team, amid this backdrop of transformation, must prepare for an expedition that promises both trials and tribulations and also an opportunity for valuable learning and development.