IND vs NZ 1st Test Preview: Will Rain Affect India’s Sprint Strategy?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. The first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru faces rain threats.
2. India aims to maintain its winning streak at home against New Zealand.
3. New Zealand will play without Kane Williamson, while India’s Shubman Gill’s fitness remains uncertain.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

India is set to face New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru amidst a looming rain threat. After a dominant win against Bangladesh, India may once again adopt their aggressive strategy to secure a quick victory. Rain, however, could disrupt the start of the match, leading to possible lineup changes by captain Rohit Sharma.

The weather forecast predicts heavy rain on the first day of the match, forcing schools to close and companies to allow work-from-home arrangements. India is focused on securing a win to solidify its position in the World Test Championship final. Coach Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in the team’s ability to score 400 runs in a day if needed.

New Zealand, without star batsman Kane Williamson and pacer Ben Sears, will face a significant challenge against India. Historically, New Zealand has struggled in India, failing to win in their last 19 Test matches here. Under new captain Tom Latham, the team hopes the rain will provide favorable conditions for their pace attack.

India is likely to field a combination of three pacers and two spinners, depending on the pitch conditions. New Zealand will rely on its bowlers to take advantage of the rain-affected pitch, although India’s spin maestro, R. Ashwin, poses a significant threat with his exceptional record against New Zealand.

Predicted Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

New Zealand: Tom Latham (Captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel.

Pitch and Conditions:

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch has been under covers for two days. Expect some assistance for fast bowlers, especially in the morning sessions with the new ball. Rain is forecast throughout the match.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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