New Zealand will take on India in a 3-match Test series starting October 16. This will be an uphill task for the Kiwis, as competing against India in Indian conditions is extremely difficult. India last lost a Test series in 2013, showing the team’s dominance in home conditions.
While India has an organized and experienced side, the New Zealand team is struggling with inexperience and players who have no exposure to spin-friendly conditions. India is a favorite to whitewash the New Zealand team unless the rain gods mark their attendance.
Recent Form of India and New Zealand in Tests
India is riding high on its recent 2-0 Test series win against Bangladesh, while New Zealand suffered an embarrassing 0-2 loss against Sri Lanka in the September Test series.
India’s trump cards are spinners, and the New Zealand team struggled against spin in Sri Lanka. If Kiwis have not yet learned how to tackle the spin, winning a Test series in India would be a far-fetched dream.
Team Squads for India vs New Zealand Test Series
The following are the Indian and New Zealand squads for the 3-match Test series:
India Test Squad
India has announced the squad for the entire 3-match Test series, where captain Rohit Sharma will lead the team. The following is India’s squad for the Test series against New Zealand:
Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
New Zealand Test Squad
New Zealand has announced separate squads for the 1st Test and then a common one for the 2nd and 3rd Tests. The following is the New Zealand squad for the 3-match Test series against India:
Tom Latham (C), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, William ORourke, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, and Ben Sears.
3-Match Venues and Conditions
The 3-match Test series will start on 16 October and be played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.
1. 1st Test – Bengaluru
The 1st Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Bengaluru from 16th October to 20th October. The possibility of rain can hamper the result, but India will want to get the result by playing positively if there is any play. The conditions will improve for the spinners as the game progresses, and the team batting fourth might have to face a big challenge.
2. 2nd Test – Pune
Pune will host the 2nd Test match, which will be played from 24 October to 28 October. The pitch in Pune is known to assist spinners, making it challenging for the batters. The New Zealand team will have to bat with a positive intent against Indian spinners if they want to challenge the Indian team. India will also face a challenge if New Zealand plays 3 specialist spinners.
3. 3rd Test – Mumbai
The third Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Mumbai. At the start, pacers are assisted, and spinners come into action as the game progresses. We can expect an even pitch that has something for everyone. Batters with positive intent will gain a lot in this game, while batters trying to survive might struggle. India, with world-class spinners, will be the favorite to win in Mumbai.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand team has never won a Test series in India, and this time, it looks like India will maintain this record. The Indian team looks settled and hungry for more after a thumbing 2-0 Test series win against Bangladesh. On the other hand, New Zealand has struggled to fight against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Test series, in which New Zealand lost 0-2. India is a firm favorite to win the 3-match Test series 3-0 and stay at the top of the Test Championship points table.