Following a commanding Test series victory against Bangladesh, Team India is set to take on New Zealand in a highly anticipated three-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to begin on October 16 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a venue known for its spin-friendly surface and lively atmosphere. This series will be an important one for both teams as it is a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with crucial points on the line. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will aim to extend their dominance at home, while New Zealand will be looking to challenge India’s stellar home record.
India dominates WTC standings while New Zealand eyes redemption
India continues to assert its dominance in the ongoing WTC, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 98 points. After playing 11 matches, India boasts an impressive record with eight wins, two losses, and one draw. In contrast, New Zealand finds themselves in the 6th spot, struggling after a recent 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka. This upcoming series holds significant importance for both teams, as crucial WTC points are at stake. A win for India would solidify their position for the WTC final, while New Zealand aim to revive their campaign and stay in the race for the all-important final.
India’s top-choice playing XI for the Test series against New Zealand
1. Rohit Sharma (Captain and Opening Batter)
Strength: Rohit, leading India in the Test arena, will be tasked with providing a solid start. His ability to both anchor the innings and switch gears when required will be crucial in setting the tone for India. Known for his ability to dominate bowlers in subcontinental conditions, his aggressive yet composed approach will be key to laying strong foundations.
Role on Indian Pitches: Rohit’s extensive experience on Indian surfaces gives him a distinct advantage. His capacity to handle both pace and spin effectively, especially against turning tracks, makes him a pivotal figure. Indian pitches tend to support batters early on but can become tricky as spinners come into play, and Rohit’s ability to adapt will be crucial for India’s success.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opening Batter)
Strength: The young Jaiswal has impressed in his recent outings, showing maturity beyond his years. As Rohit’s partner, his primary role will be to complement the skipper by rotating the strike and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, particularly against the new ball
Role on Indian Pitches: Jaiswal’s aggression and skill against spin make him a valuable asset on Indian surfaces. His positive mindset allows him to take on spinners early, which could put pressure on the New Zealand bowlers as the pitch begins to wear.
3. Shubman Gill (Top-order Batter)
Strength: Gill is seen as the backbone of India’s batting lineup. His ability to construct an innings and his sound technique make him a reliable option at No. 3. Gill’s balance between defense and aggression will be important in stabilizing the innings.
Role on Indian Pitches: Gill’s technique against spin and his quick footwork allow him to negotiate tricky Indian tracks, where variable bounce and turn can become factors. His composure under pressure is a major asset, especially when playing on pitches that tend to deteriorate.
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4. Virat Kohli (Middle-order Batter)
Strength: Kohli’s presence in the middle order is invaluable. He thrives in high-pressure situations, and his aggressive yet calculated approach can turn the tide in India’s favor.
Role on Indian Pitches: With a proven record on home soil, Kohli’s ability to dominate spinners, particularly through wristy strokeplay, makes him a formidable challenge for New Zealand’s bowlers. Indian pitches often break down as the game progresses, and Kohli’s capacity to adjust and build long innings will be critical.
5. KL Rahul (Middle-order Batter)
Strength: Rahul provides stability in the middle order. His versatility allows him to shift between a defensive or aggressive approach depending on the match situation.
Role on Indian Pitches: Indian pitches are often slower and offer turn, which requires batters to play with patience and caution. Rahul’s technique and experience will help him navigate such conditions, and his ability to handle both spin and pace will be crucial.
6. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
Strength: Known for his aggressive batting, Pant can change the course of the game with his counter-attacking style. Behind the stumps, his quick reflexes make him an excellent wicketkeeper, especially against spinners.
Role on Indian Pitches: Pant’s ability to attack spinners is well-suited for Indian pitches, where turning tracks can often stifle less experienced batters. His audacious strokeplay can unsettle the opposition, and his wicketkeeping skills are crucial, given the likely spin-heavy nature of the bowling attack.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder)
Strength: Jadeja’s all-round abilities provide the team with much-needed balance. He is equally adept with the bat and ball, making him a key player in both departments.
Role on Indian Pitches: Indian tracks typically assist spinners from the third day onward, making Jadeja’s left-arm spin invaluable. His ability to bowl long spells, extracting turn and bounce, makes him a threat to any batting lineup. Additionally, his batting prowess adds depth to the Indian lower order, allowing India to post or chase competitive totals.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin (All-rounder)
Strength: Ashwin is India’s ace spinner and has a remarkable ability to outthink batters with his variations and clever strategies.
Role on Indian Pitches: Ashwin’s expertise on Indian pitches, particularly turning tracks, is unrivaled. His ability to use subtle variations in pace, flight, and length makes him one of the most dangerous spinners in the world, particularly at home where pitches increasingly favor spin.
9. Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner)
Strength: Kuldeep brings variety with his wrist-spin, offering a unique angle of attack compared to finger spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja.
Role on Indian Pitches: Indian surfaces typically favor wrist-spinners, and Kuldeep’s ability to extract sharp turn will challenge the New Zealand batters. His unorthodox bowling style can be difficult to read, especially as the pitch deteriorates over the course of the match.
10. Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler)
Strength: Bumrah is expected to lead India’s pace attack with his express speed, precision, and ability to take wickets in any conditions.
Role on Indian Pitches: Although Indian tracks are traditionally more spin-friendly, Bumrah’s reverse swing and clever use of yorkers can be highly effective as the ball gets older. His adaptability and aggression make him a vital component of India’s bowling attack on any surface.
11. Akash Deep (Fast Bowler)
Strength: Akash Deep is a young, emerging talent who will be looking to make his mark with his pace and movement. He is expected to support Bumrah in the fast-bowling department.
Role on Indian Pitches: Akash’s ability to generate bounce and seam movement, particularly in the early overs, can pose challenges for New Zealand’s openers. On Indian pitches, fast bowlers often rely on reverse swing, and Akash has the potential to exploit that as the match progresses.
Also READ: Explained: Why Mohammed Shami has not been selected in India’s squad for the New Zealand Tests?
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