India vs New Zealand Test Series: Everything you need to know

The much-anticipated India vs New Zealand Test series kicks off this week, promising intense red-ball cricket between two top teams. Both sides are eager to either build on momentum or bounce back from recent results, making this contest crucial. Here's everything you need to know about the three-match series, including schedules, squads, team news, and what to expect from the encounters.

1. Match Schedule: Dates and Venues

• First Test: October 16 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

• Second Test: October 24 – Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

• Third Test: November 1 – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

2. Head-to-Head Record

India and New Zealand have clashed in 62 Test matches so far:

• India: 22 wins

• New Zealand: 13 wins

• Draws: 27

  
  

While India holds the upper hand, New Zealand has pulled off some memorable wins, including the 2021 World Test Championship Final. However, this time, the BlackCaps arrive in India with the challenge of playing in unfamiliar conditions.

3. Recent Form and Team Updates

India’s Recent Form

India enters the series with momentum, coming off a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh. With a largely unchanged squad, the hosts will be keen to maintain their winning streak at home. India’s spinners, combined with a strong batting lineup, will pose significant challenges for

New Zealand.

New Zealand’s Recent Form

New Zealand had a tough outing in their last Test series, losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka. The team will look to regroup under the leadership of Tom Latham, especially in the absence of regular captain Kane Williamson for the first Test due to a groin injury. Williamson is expected to return for the second and third Tests, strengthening the BlackCaps' batting unit.

4. Full Squads for the India vs New Zealand Test Series

India’s Squad

• Rohit Sharma (C),Jasprit Bumrah (VC),Yashasvi Jaiswal,Shubman Gill,Virat Kohli,KL Rahul,Sarfaraz Khan,Rishabh Pant (WK),Dhruv Jurel (WK),Ravichandran Ashwin,Ravindra Jadeja,Axar Patel,Kuldeep Yadav,Mohammed Siraj,Akash Deep

  
  

Key Players to Watch:

• Jasprit Bumrah: Leading India’s pace attack with renewed energy after injury recovery.

• Shubman Gill: Expected to shine at the top with his recent run of good form.

• R. Ashwin and Jadeja: India’s spin kings will be crucial on home soil.

  
  

New Zealand’s Squad

• Tom Latham (C),Tom Blundell (WK),Michael Bracewell (1st Test only),Mark Chapman,Devon Conway,Matt Henry,Daryl Mitchell,Will O'Rourke,Ajaz Patel,Glenn Phillips,Rachin Ravindra,Mitchell Santner,Ben Sears,Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Tests only),Tim Southee,Kane Williamson,Will Young

  
  

Key Players to Watch:

• Tom Latham: His experience will be critical in Williamson’s absence.

• Devon Conway: A reliable batter who can adapt to Indian conditions.

• Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel: Leading the charge with seam and spin, respectively.

  
  

5. Series Preview and Key Battles

With India’s dominance at home and New Zealand’s recent struggles in Sri Lanka, the hosts appear to have the edge. However, the BlackCaps are known for their fighting spirit, and players like Conway, Latham, and Southee can turn the tide on their day.

Key Battles to Watch

• Rohit Sharma vs Tim Southee: Can Rohit tackle Southee’s swing early on?

• Ashwin and Jadeja vs Latham and Conway: A fascinating duel between world-class spinners and technically sound openers.

• Virat Kohli vs Ajaz Patel: Kohli will aim to dominate Patel after his struggles with left-arm spinners in the past.

  
  

6. Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

India is the clear favorite for the series, especially given their spin advantage and depth in batting. New Zealand’s best chance will be to strike early with the new ball and contain India to manageable first-innings totals. However, handling Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel across five days will be a tough ask.