India's Likely XI for 1st Test vs New Zealand: After crushing Bangladesh in a one-sided two-match Test series not very long ago, the India cricket team would be out to continue that dominance against New Zealand when the three-match Test series starts on October 15. The IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024 is set to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rohit Sharma and his men will know that a good start to the IND vs NZ Test series can give them momentum going into the next two matches. In this article, we shall take a look at how India's playing XI might be for the IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024. IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024 Preview: Likely Playing XIs, Key Battles, H2H and More About India vs New Zealand Cricket Match in Bengaluru.

India are placed right at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings and they consolidated that spot after winning the two-match Test series against Bangladesh 2-0. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to action and a packed M Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to cheer them and the team on for this contest. New Zealand in contrast, have not had the best preparation for the IND vs NZ Test series, losing to Sri Lanka 0-2 a side which exposed their vulnerability against spin bowling. IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024, Bengaluru Weather, Rain Forecast and Pitch Report: Here's How Weather Will Behave for India vs New Zealand Match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Top-Order: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have formed quite a dominant partnership on a number of occasions now and these two will once again look to bat the way they did in the first innings in Kanpur. Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal play with aggression mixed with caution and the start these two provide will be instrumental in determining the total India end up with. There's a bit of doubt regarding Shubman Gill's participation, with a report stating that the youngster has complained of neck and shoulder pain. If he ends up not playing, Sarfaraz Khan can be picked to bat at number three. There can also be a scenario where India can have Virat Kohli promoted to three while Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul bat at numbers four and five, respectively. Shubman Gill Likely to Miss IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024 in Bengaluru Because of Neck, Shoulder Pain: Report.

Middle-Order: A lot would depend on Shubman Gill's availability. If the young right-hander is fit to play, he will bat at his usual number three spot with Virat Kohli following at four. However, in his absence, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will form the middle-order. India's middle-order did come good against Bangladesh for the hosts to succeed, that has to continue.

All-Rounders/Spinners: Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be the all-rounders for Team India in this match. Both these spin-bowling all-rounders showed what they were capable of against Bangladesh, with the two registering a game-changing partnership in the Chennai Test and when the need be, they will look to raise their hands and showcase their all-round skills once again.

Pace Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will form the pace-bowling attack for India in this match. The three were superb in the two Tests against Bangladesh and would look to continue that form in the IND vs NZ Test series as well.

The weather in Bengaluru has attracted attention with there being a forecast for rain on Day 1 of the IND vs NZ Test 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. New Zealand on their part, will need to put up a better show with bat in hand, as compared to what they did against Sri Lanka if they are to put up a tough fight against India.

India's Likely XI vs New Zealand for 1st Test 2024:

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2024 09:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).