India vs New Zealand 1st Test: India will take on New Zealand in the first Test of a three-match series starting Wednesday, October 16, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, enters the series full of confidence after defeating Bangladesh in a two-match series last month. The hosts will aim to carry forward their winning momentum against the Tom Latham-led Kiwis.
New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking for redemption after a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka in September 2024. The Black Caps, missing star batter Kane Williamson, will rely on a solid team effort to challenge India and keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Likely Playing XIs
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke.
India vs New Zealand 1st Test, Dream 11 Prediction
Captain: Ravichandran Ashwin
Vice Captain: Rishabh Pant
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant
Batters: Virat Kohli, Devon Conway, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rachin Ravindra
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajaz Patel
Weather Forecast
Rain may play a role in the Test match, with a 41% chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday. The chances increase to 67% on Friday, but the conditions may clear up with lesser chances of rain over the weekend.
India enjoys a strong home record against New Zealand in Tests, winning their last encounter in Mumbai by 372 runs in December 2021. With the home advantage and recent form on their side, India will look to continue their dominance, while New Zealand will be eager to stage an upset and boost their WTC final hopes.