After whitewashing Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, Team India will face New Zealand in three Tests. The series opener is scheduled to take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from Wednesday (October 16). The BCCI announced India’s squad for the Test series against the Kiwis last week, and apart from Yash Dayal, the other 15 members picked for the Bangladesh series have managed to retain their place in the side.
While there are not many chances of a change in India’s playing XI, there’s a possibility that India may rest one out of Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj and include one extra spinner. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav warmed the bench during the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, but after looking at New Zealand players struggle against spin in two Tests against Sri Lanka last month, one out of them could get a game.
Kuldeep is a more impactful spinner than Axar, but the Gujarat-based cricketer is a better batter than Kuldeep, and it will be interesting to see who gets a game.
Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, who made his Test debut for India against England in Rajkot on February 15, 2024, scored a double century in the Irani Cup 2024 match for Mumbai against Rest of India in Lucknow to present a case for selection in India’s playing XI, and it will be interesting to see if he pips KL Rahul for a No. 6 batter slot.
Rahul, who has 2969 runs to his name in 52 Tests played so far, scored a fifty for India in his last Test innings against Bangladesh.
Apart from this, the other players are automatic selections in the playing XI. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in red-hot form this year, will open the innings along with captain Rohit, and Shubman Gill will come out to bat at No. 3. Virat Kohli will bat at his usual No. 4 position, followed by Rishabh Pant at 5.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are two of the best spin bowling all-rounders of all time and will be key players for the hosts with both bat and ball.
India’s likely playing XI for the 1st Test against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav
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