As the Indian cricket team gears up for a crucial Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, the looming threat of rain is creating uncertainties reminiscent of their previous Test opener in Kanpur. With significant World Test Championship points on the line, India hopes for clear skies to maximize their home advantage and steer the match in their favor. Despite facing New Zealand—a team grappling with transitional challenges—India remains confident as firm favorites on home turf. Nevertheless, the unpredictable weather conditions could potentially offer New Zealand a glimmer of respite.
New Zealand faces a formidable challenge coming off a 0-2 series defeat against Sri Lanka, compounded by a change in captaincy and the absence of key player Kane Williamson. Adding to their woes, the weather disruptions during their preparation period in India have made it difficult for them to acclimate to the local pitches—a considerable disadvantage against a formidable Indian squad. Despite these odds, New Zealand remains hopeful, relying on the experienced members of their team to offset some of these challenges. Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell’s experience in India provides some reassurance, and players like Tom Latham, who boasts five Test fifties, alongside Tim Southee’s and Ajaz Patel’s previous successes in India, aim to bolster the team’s morale.
New Zealand will need to summon all the confidence they can muster ahead of what is currently one of the toughest challenges in global Test cricket. India’s all-round prowess at home poses a matchless challenge, with a squad that marries experience with form, making them a daunting opponent. With potential for improvement among key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both struggled for form during the recent Tests against Bangladesh, India is eager to regain momentum before embarking on their series Down Under.
The much-anticipated match is set to commence at 09:30 AM IST on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, there are concerns that rain might disrupt parts of the game, particularly on the opening day. The cooler overhead conditions could allow New Zealand some time to adjust to Indian conditions.
. Notably, a day before the first ball, the pitch remains under covers, and the resulting moisture could tempt both teams to consider bolstering their pace attack—a decision contingent on weather observations closer to the match.
India managed to squeeze in a full practice session two days prior when the rains temporarily subsided, though weather conditions prevented a final practice the day before the match. In their preparation, Shubman Gill’s participation was limited due to a minor injury, with Sarfaraz Khan taking part in the fielding drills. A minor shuffle in the batting line-up could see Sarfaraz Khan stepping in, while the wet conditions raise the possibility of a third seamer being included in India’s otherwise unchanged bowling line-up, consistent with their strategy for the previous two Tests.
The Indian side’s probable XI is expected to feature names like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and captain Virat Kohli, supported by a capable bowling attack inclusive of Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. Meanwhile, New Zealand will see Will Young stepping in for Kane Williamson. In weighing their pace options, New Zealand might see Mitchell Santner making way for Matt Henry in a strategy aiming to maximize their pace capabilities.
In anticipation of the match, some insights and facts stand out: Virat Kohli is just 53 runs away from reaching an impressive milestone of 9000 Test runs, and he will be keen to remedy his recent form slump of six innings without a fifty. Historically, New Zealand has never won a Test series in India in 12 attempts; their last win on Indian soil dates back to 1988. Moreover, the toss could play a critical role, particularly as teams have yet to elect to chase in three consecutive Tests in India, a potential record that could be challenged in Bengaluru.
Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of adaptability given the weather uncertainties, expressing his hope for an uninterrupted game. “We keep our options open for playing three seamers and three spinners as well,” Sharma noted, highlighting the need for flexibility in strategy. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, echoed the sentiment reflecting on the challenges of winning overseas. “You’ve got to play some really good cricket,” Latham acknowledged, appreciating the intricacies of facing India’s diversely skilled squad in one of cricket’s toughest arenas.