IND vs NZ Tests: Hosts Favorites as Rohit and Kohli Seek Form, Swing and Pace Key for New Zealand in Crucial Test Series

As India gears up for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, all eyes will be on the  Indian batting lineup, which has been performing consistently well. With the series against  Australia looming large, this is a key opportunity for India’s two stalwarts—Rohit Sharma and  Virat Kohli—to find their form. Both players, among the finest to ever play the game, will aim to  make significant contributions. Kohli is especially on the verge of a milestone, needing just 53  runs to become the fourth Indian player to surpass 9,000 Test runs—a feat that would be a  confidence booster ahead of the crucial series.  

Jasprit Bumrah’s appointment as vice-captain is another highlight. Having donned the role once  or twice before, it reflects his growing stature and leadership within the Indian team. However,  the main challenge for India will be to get the right balance in their lineup, which will largely  depend on the pitch conditions. The key question is whether to go with three spinners and two  seamers or include an extra seamer. Kuldeep Yadav, a known match-winner, is almost certain to  play, as are R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both crucial in India’s spin department. However, the  final decision should be based on the nature of the pitch. Notably, in the last Test, India opted for  three seamers, but considering New Zealand’s struggles against spin, India might favor the  threespinner strategy.  

Individually, Ashwin is also nearing a personal milestone, equaling Anil Kumble’s record for  most five-wicket hauls and ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket, making this series an exciting one  for him. The Indian team is coming off a remarkable win in their last match, which will fill them  with confidence under the new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rishabh Pant’s return to form is  another significant factor, as he might slot in at number six, and his experience in Australia could  play a key role moving forward.  

On the other hand, New Zealand will look to bounce back after a disappointing performance  against Sri Lanka, where conditions were challenging. Tom Latham takes over as captain,  stepping in for Tim Southee, who has stepped down. Latham, though experienced in a stand-in  role, faces a tough challenge leading the side full-time, especially in subcontinental conditions.  For New Zealand, much like India, the balance of their side will be critical. They will have to  decide whether to go with three seamers, and if they do, who among Matt Henry, Tim Southee,  William ORourke, and Ben Sears will make the cut. Matt Henry seems a likely choice, and it  will be interesting to see how Southee performs now that he is not the captain.  

New Zealand’s chances may hinge on their ability to exploit swing bowling, with Tim Southee  potentially playing a key role. If confident and fit, Southee is the type of bowler who could  trouble India’s top order with the swinging ball, especially during the early overs. Though India  boasts a high-class batting lineup, early breakthroughs through swing could be New Zealand’s 

best opportunity to make inroads. Historically, New Zealand bowlers have excelled with swing,  and if Southee is selected, his contribution—along with the rest of the bowling attack—could  prove crucial in keeping New Zealand competitive in the series.  

New Zealand’s batting lineup could receive a major boost if Kane Williamson is fit to play even  at the later stages of the series as he seems to be out of the first Test. If fit, Williamson, like  Kohli, is also closing in on 9,000 Test runs, making this series a battle between two of the  modern era’s best batsmen. Williamson has around 100 runs left to reach that milestone, setting  up an intriguing subplot alongside Kohli.  

New Zealand’s squad includes several players familiar with Indian conditions, though more from  shorter formats, such as Daryl Mitchell, who has impressed as a reliable cricketer. I have always  admired him as a cricketer and he is a type of player who could cause India some trouble. Glenn  

Phillips is a decent off-spinner and batter. Another player to watch is Rachin Ravindra, a young  talent who has developed his game in Indian conditions, especially through the IPL and in Sri  Lanka, where he handled spin well. His middle-order contributions with the bat and occasional  left-arm spin could prove pivotal for New Zealand. Mitchell Santner also adds balance to the  side, offering both bowling and batting depth.  

Overall, while New Zealand boasts resourceful players, India enters this series as firm favorites.  The conditions heavily favor India’s strong spin attack, and their batting lineup is in top form.  New Zealand will need to punch above their weight to compete, and although they’re not the  favorites, players like Ravindra and Mitchell have the potential to make an impact. Fans can  expect an intriguing contest, but India will likely have the upper hand in this series.