India’s Jasprit Bumrah (left) bowls in the nets during a practice session ahead of their first Test cricket match against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. — AFP
India will aim to extend their remarkable streak of Test victories on home turf when they take on a New Zealand team riddled with injuries in the opening match of a three-game series starting Wednesday. Since their 2-1 loss to England in 2012, India has secured 18 consecutive home series wins, with only four losses and seven draws in 53 Tests. Rohit Sharma's team enters the series fresh off a 2-0 sweep against Bangladesh, but coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledges that New Zealand presents a unique challenge.
"We understand that they are a formidable team. They possess some top-tier players who can pose a threat. They have individuals capable of delivering for their side," Gambhir stated. "They are fighters, and we anticipate them to put up a fight. We respect them, but we do not fear anyone."
The Bengaluru match, followed by games in Pune and Mumbai, could be marred by weather disruptions, with rain forecasted for the entire week. New Zealand, who started their Asian tour with a washed-out match against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, come into the series after a 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka. Tim Southee relinquished the captaincy to Tom Latham following the disappointing defeat. The visitors will miss batsman Kane Williamson in Bengaluru due to a groin injury, while paceman Ben Sears was ruled out of the series with a knee injury and replaced by Jacob Duffy.
"We are naturally disappointed for Ben, who made a strong start to his Test career during the home summer and provides a genuine pace option," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead. "It remains uncertain how long we will be without him, but we hope his recovery will be swift. This is an exciting opportunity for Jacob." With three Tests ahead, he has a chance to make his debut.
India leads the World Test Championship table, five spots above 2021 champions New Zealand, and is keen to claim a title they have narrowly missed twice. However, Gambhir is focused solely on the upcoming series against New Zealand, with an Australian tour looming.
"The World Test Championship final is in June 2025, and the Test matches in Australia begin on November 22. Currently, only New Zealand is on our mind, and nothing else," he said. "When playing international cricket, you don't consider how to prepare for five Test matches in the Australia series or the World Test Championship final."
