India is set to face New Zealand in the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, starting on October 16th at 9:30 AM IST. This much-awaited series will see the two cricketing giants compete in a total of three Test matches, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance. Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian side, while Tom Latham will captain the Kiwis.
Key players for India include Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom will be crucial in shaping India’s performance. On the New Zealand side, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Southee are expected to be pivotal in their team’s effort to challenge India on their home turf.
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Historically, the two teams have faced each other in 62 Test matches, with India securing 22 wins and New Zealand taking 13 victories. With both teams in form, another thrilling contest is on the horizon. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both sides look to start the series on a strong note.
India
India managed to squeeze in a full practice session two days before the Test match despite intermittent rain, but the day before the game saw no such luck. Shubman Gill was less involved in the drills, with Sarfaraz Khan taking part in slip-catching practice, hinting at a possible swap if Gill’s niggle persists. India may opt for an unchanged bowling line-up, continuing with three seamers for the third Test in a row, given the conditions.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand
For New Zealand, Will Young is set to replace Kane Williamson. If they choose to go with three pacers, Mitchell Santner’s place in the XI could be at risk, with Matt Henry waiting in the wings for an opportunity.
Probable XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner/Matt Henry, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Rishab Pant, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Jasprit Bumrah, Ajaz Patel
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Yashasvi Jaiswal (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Phillips, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ajaz Patel, Mohammad Siraj
