Twenty years have passed since India last found themselves in a scenario where they entered the final Test of a home series with the series already lost. The venue back then was the Wankhede Stadium, a ground steeped in history and renowned for producing exhilarating cricketing encounters. As fate would have it, India now face a similar situation against New Zealand at the very same venue. The Indian team, famously hard to beat on home soil, finds itself in unfamiliar territory, battered by a spirited New Zealand side that has halted their dominant winning streak.
Historically, when placed in such precarious positions, India have turned to the conditions to engineer a comeback. In 2004 against Australia, they leveraged a pitch designed to aid significant spin, crafting a path to victory in a tight, low-scoring game. This time, indications suggest the Wankhede pitch might also begin offering turn sooner than usual in the match, potentially bringing their spinners into play. While this match might not impact the series outcome, the context provided by the World Test Championship (WTC) adds substantial significance. Needing to win four of their remaining six Tests to secure a spot in the WTC final, including five daunting matches in Australia, the pressure is palpable.
India’s struggles in this series are twofold. Their batting lineup has been searching for form and grappling with technical limitations that have predisposed them to failures against a well-drilled New Zealand attack. Additionally, the Indian spinners, traditionally lethal at home, have yet failed to impose themselves. These shortcomings have placed India in an unusual spot, one where the once automatic victories now demand fierce competition and introspection.
The New Zealand team has disrupted India’s run, compelling the hosts to confront weaknesses previously thought to be impervious. Their spinners have exposed flaws in India’s batting defense, while their batsmen have adeptly navigated India’s slower bowlers. The Kiwis’ confidence stems from this versatility, possessing players adept either at using their feet against spin or resorting to skillful sweeps, regularly scoring crucial runs.
The Indian team finds itself at a crossroads with players at different stages of their careers.
. For some, it is a battle to cement their legacy, while for others, it represents the dawn of their international journeys. For all players, however, it provides a vital opportunity to head to Australia with momentum, with a much-needed win potentially serving as a springboard for the challenges that await.
The game’s dynamics, therefore, carry multiple storylines beyond the pitch. Conditions are expected to be typical of Mumbai—hot and humid. The dry nature of the red-soil pitch could offer traditional turn and bounce, compelling both teams’ spinners to step up. Ahead of this crucial encounter, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the fitness readiness of the squad, with no resting of players envisaged due to the WTC context.
In terms of team selection, India is faced with a tricky decision regarding their second seamer position, with both Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj vying for the slot. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in practice has fuelled speculation of his potential resting, potentially easing selection headaches. India, despite the defeat in Pune, is unlikely to overhaul their playing eleven extensively.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry’s participation in practice sessions fuels optimism that he might clear his fitness test and replace Tim Southee, adding depth to their bowling attack.
A defeat for India at the Wankhede will make history, marking the first clean sweep by an opponent on their soil since 2000. Particularly, Rohit Sharma’s struggle against New Zealand’s pace attack, averaging just 12.75, highlights an area requiring urgent attention.
From the Indian camp, Gambhir expresses confidence in the hurt of defeat spurring the team’s youth and seasoned players alike towards improved performances. In contrast, New Zealand’s skipper Tom Latham praises the added significance the WTC context brings to Test cricket, fueling competitive edge and ambition within the squad.
As fans rivet their attention on Wankhede, the anticipation of witnessing potential strategic shifts and individual heroics to reclaim form ensures a captivating Test awaits.