The linchpin of New Zealand's batting, Kane Williamson, is missing from the ongoing IND vs NZ 1st Test in Bengaluru. Williamson, who stepped down from Test captaincy in 2022 and white-ball leadership in June 2024, has been New Zealand's most consistent batter on Indian tours, scoring 203 runs in 8 Tests. So, why is Williamson not playing in the India vs New Zealand 1st Test in Bengaluru? 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.

Led by Tom Latham, New Zealand heads into the three-Test series low on confidence, having lost 0-2 to Sri Lanka in the Emerald Nation last month. An unimpressive Test record in India makes it even more worrisome for New Zealand, who are already sixth in the World Test Championship 2023-25 Standing, having won the inaugural edition.

Why is Kane Williamson Not Playing in IND vs NZ 1st Test 2024?

Williamson suffered a groin strain during New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka, where the batter attained an injury in the second Test at Galle. Since then, Williamson has been nursing the injury, which might even keep the former Kiwi captain out of the second and third Tests at Pune and Mumbai, let alone the Bengaluru encounter. On Which Channel India vs New Zealand 2024 Series Will Be Telecast Live in India? How To Watch IND vs NZ Test Matches Free Live Streaming Online?

Williamson, off-late has been struggling with multiple injuries, ranging from elbow, knee, hamstring, and thumb fractures. Meanwhile, New Zealand have roped in Mark Chapman for the first Test, who is expected to feature in the middle-order and make his red-ball debut for the Kiwis. Both, Williamson and Chapman are part of New Zealand's squad for second and third Tests.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2024 09:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).