On the brink of a clean sweep, India faces a critical juncture as they gear up to face New Zealand in a Test at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. It has been two decades since the Indian cricket team entered a home Test with the series already decided against them, last having done so in Mumbai against Australia. Interestingly, on that occasion, India managed to create a spinning track that eventually saw them clinch a low-scoring victory, and they’ll be hoping for a similar change in fortunes now against the Kiwis.
The battle against New Zealand may seem inconsequential purely from the series perspective, with the visitors already clinching the series. However, this Test carries significant weight due to the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC). India is required to secure victories in four out of their remaining six Tests, five of which are in Australia, to guarantee their spot in the WTC final without relying on other results.
This challenge looms large as the Indian batting contingent struggles with form and rectifying technical flaws midway through the series. The pressure mounts not just on the batsmen but also on India’s marquee spinners, who have yet to make a decisive impact. This strategic conundrum is uncharacteristic of India at home, where victories have long been scripted with apparent ease or through the resilience of emerging individuals.
New Zealand’s staunch challenge has compelled India to scrutinize and rework their renowned forte — home dominance. The Kiwi spinners, on their part, have posed formidable hurdles for Indian batsmen, demanding more disciplined defenses and exposing vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, their batsmen have approached Indian spin with a diverse array of tactics, from traditional footwork to effective sweeping, maintaining an edge with commendable consistency.
The Indian side presents a mix of seasoned players nearing career twilight and budding talents just embarking on their journey. Each segment faces unique hurdles, with the collective goal of heading to Australia buoyed by a morale-boosting win. This imperative brings the Indian team into uncharted territory, as they strive to find footing against a resurgent opponent.
Scheduled for November 1, 2024, at 09:30 AM IST at Wankhede Stadium, conditions are anticipated to be typically hot and humid in Mumbai. The wicket is expected to play like traditional red-soil pitches do, promising some aid for spinners with its anticipated dryness and bounce, having undergone preparatory brushing.
In terms of team composition, head coach Gautam Gambhir has assured that there are no fitness concerns or additions to the squad.
. Given the WTC relevance, players will not be rested, and India’s strategy may see a decision between Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj for the second seamer role. Jasprit Bumrah, surprisingly, didn’t bowl in practice leading up to the Test, hinting at the possibility of his being rested, which might simplify India’s selection dilemma. Despite their loss in Pune, drastic revisions in the playing eleven are unlikely.
India’s Probable XI includes: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep/Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.
In the New Zealand camp, Matt Henry has actively participated in Mumbai’s practice sessions after missing out in Pune. A fitness assessment just before the game will determine if he plays, potentially putting seasoned bowler Tim Southee on the bench.
New Zealand’s Probable XI features: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee/Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Ajaz Patel.
Noteworthy statistics include the prospect of India facing a home Test series whitewash for the first time since 2000 if they falter at Wankhede. Additionally, Rohit Sharma’s struggles are underscored with his average of merely 12.75 against New Zealand’s pacers in his last four Test innings.
Gautam Gambhir, elucidating the gravity of recent results, expressed, “Obviously, it’s hurting. And it’s good that it’s hurting. Because it should hurt. And that hurt will make us better. The youngsters particularly, will push themselves to keep getting better, to eventually do something special.”
Echoing sentiments around the WTC’s significance, New Zealand captain Tom Latham remarked, “The context that’s (WTC) put on Test cricket rather than bilateral series has been fantastic. Obviously, being in the position with the first one, being successful, gives you a taste of what that success feels like, and I think once you do it once, you want to do it again.”
As India and New Zealand prepare to duel under the pressure cooker circumstances of WTC stakes, every session of play at Wankhede promises to be scrutinized with bated breath.