India is getting ready for yet another important step in their bid to make history and get some more points towards the World Test Championship (WTC). Given that the team is currently placed at the top of the WTC points table, the upcoming three-match Test series in New Zealand will be a chance.
India remains the overwhelming favorite to come out triumphant, but that other team across the border—New Zealand—has no slouch, even though they are without some of their players, such as Kane Williamson.
The loss may not have necessarily altered their status as competitive and even formidable players in Test cricket, but India needs to approach this series with a view of subjugation.
But the Indian team has a long way to go; they cannot sit relaxed on their chairs. India has always posed a very big challenge to New Zealand cricket, having won only two of the 36 matches played in the Indian subcontinent. Still, they are a competent team, and the Black Caps deserve every single credit for it.
India must exploit all the weaknesses they have identified regarding New Zealand and more so now that their captain, Kane Williamson, will not be playing due to a strained muscle in his groin.
New Zealand’s Problems and India’s Solutions
New Zealand begins the series in a fragile condition and currently occupies the sixth place on the WTC table. Their recent overall performance in Test cricket is comparatively poor, especially their recent series defeat by Sri Lankan by 2–0.
After this below-par series, Tim Southee resigned from the leadership post, and Tom Latham, an experienced top-order batter, took charge of the side. But Latham will have a massive challenge in trying to lead his team against India, especially in the absence of one of their key cricketers, Williamson.
This result is made worse by the recent home record of the Indian team, which gives the team hosting the match even a bigger advantage. It might interest you to know that since 2013, the Indian team has only lost 4 Test matches out of 46 in home conditions.
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This level of dominance has been borne by a combination of a fantastic bowling armoury spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and a destructive batting line-up. Rohit Sharma has also been good at consistency and focused leadership for the team and focusing the talent within the team.
Dress rehearsal for the Australia Tour
As it is, India’s team management will not lose the big picture out of sight even as attention remains centered exclusively on New Zealand. That grueling tour could then be prepared for by using New Zealand as a perfect dummy run for the series.
Considering the fact that it is rather difficult to come through Test cricket in Australia, India must make the best use of this series to adapt their approach, make the right combinations, and see to it that their players are in the best of shape.
Still, India cannot afford to take its eyes on the distant horizon fondly; a license to dream is priceless, but they cannot blind Indian diplomats and statesmen. Winning all five matches against New Zealand will virtually guarantee their place in the WTC final, while failing to do so would add extra pressure for the decisive Australia series.
As it may be recalled, India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was right to stress concentration on New Zealand and not let distractions get in the way. The fact that he emphasizes taking one series at a time shows that one needs to remain humble and focused on what is being done.
Focus on India’s Strengths
India has really learned how to harness their strength, especially when it comes to playing at home. The capability of making decisions provoked for the team and imposing their own playing style independent of their rivals’ intentions and strategies has been one of the key success factors.
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They are more preoccupied with their kind of cricket than necessarily opposing teams. What has helped this team is the increased morale achieved due to this win and, more than anything else, the ability to perform well in high-pressure matches.
India’s spin department will definitely be a decisive party in this series, though. It is believed that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will take up the role in the bowling show and as all-rounders. These two have troubled teams in subcontinental settings, and New Zealand is going to have to find a way to deal with these two players.
Rishabh Pant’s Return and Young Talent
Rishabh Pant’s inclusion back into the Test squad is one of the most intriguing events for India. After healing a twenty-one month’s injury, Pant came back into the playing field during the Bangladesh series, and he made a hundred in his first test match.
His power-hitting and game-taking abilities make him an important player for India in the series against New Zealand. There has been a great show by other Indian youngsters, in addition to Pant and other young batters.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are two players who have proved that they can build long innings and could handle the seemed variance in the pitch.
Kohli Form and New Zealand Spin Bowling
So far, India has a strong batting line-up, but Kohli has not performed well recently. Kohli’s last Test ton up there was over 15 months ago, and he has not been able to make big centuries.
But what has been an issue frequently spoken about is his spin, especially against better gloveman from bowlers such as New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel.
Kohli will once again be up against Patel, who infamously bagged all ten wickets in a Test match against India in Mumbai in 2021. But then, there is Kohli’s class, and it is also often believed that great players are never too far from a decent inning.
The first Test will be played in Bengaluru, which has a special place in the heart of Kohli since he is a captain of the Indian Premier League team, Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli, who once again is missing in array with the willow, will be keen to return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium and produce one of his magical knocks.
India’s Road to the WTC Final
India’s pathway to the WTC final is clear: they have to beat the New Zealand side in this three-match series. A 3-0 victory will ensure the team almost seals their place in the final, freeing them from the pressure needed for that final push when they get down under.
But any blunder in this series could make their path a little tricky, and therefore, the Australia series became even more important. It’s not only about getting points in this series; it is also about preparing for what is to come and gaining confidence.
India indeed has a superior side, and they have the strength and the depth to beat Australia decisively, but that can only happen if they keep their eye on the ball and hope no major injury crisis strikes in the team, and also their match-winners are in good nick.
At last
India’s next Test match series against New Zealand is going to be a big leap towards the WTC final. After the loss of the New Zealand players and the poor form issues they face, India has an excellent chance to whitewash New Zealand and assure themselves of their place in the final of next year’s WTC.
But there is no room for the team to relax because Kiwis, even in the worst conditions, can give their best. As many top players have returned to the Indian playing eleven and young talents are putting up their best, India is perfectly on track to rule the series and remain on path to the WTC final.