India’s Probable Lineup vs New Zealand: Gaikwad In, Bumrah Out?
India’s Probable Lineup for First Test Against New Zealand: Ruturaj Gaikwad In, Jasprit Bumrah Out?
After recently defeating Bangladesh with a clean sweep of 2-0, Team India will now face the challenge of playing New Zealand in yet another important Test series starting on October 16. This series is very important for Team India as they are looking to advance to the final stages of the World Test Championship (WTC). Nevertheless, a dominant 3-0 victory against New Zealand would sail India into the third consecutive WTC final which would be a significant milestone if it indeed happened.
However, with the series against Australia in focus, a few changes can be made to the squad of India to rotate players and infuse fresh talent. Rumors abound that Ruturaj Gaikwad is on the cards to be called up as a spare opening batsman, while pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for some stages of the series.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Management
Jasprit Bumrah was not part of the Test series with Bangladesh, but after Bangladesh’s unexpected displays against Pakistan, he was included in the squad. The plan worked as Bumrah appeared in both matches and was instrumental in India’s series victory. With India all set to tour Australia, the management is now looking at Bumrah’s expertise more judiciously in preparation for the crucial matches in Australia.
Concerning the conditions in Bengaluru, where the first Test match will be played, spin bowlers are likely to have a larger share which might result in Bumrah being left out of the playing XI. This could be the chance for India to rest their star bowler and provide an opportunity for other bowlers to step up. In the likely absence of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are expected to spearhead the fast bowling unit.
Gaikwad’s Inclusion as Backup Opener
Inclusion of Gaikwad for the role of back-up opener On the lines of his reported consideration for the upcoming series against Australia, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been believed to serve as a backup option to the opening slot. Should that be the case, Gaikwad can be included in the New Zealand series to provide him with much-needed exposure in Test cricket. His addition would also strengthen the batting order of the team hence making sure that India has a competent set of openers suited for the rigorous Australian conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are the likely openers for the first Test while Gaikwad may be brought into action towards the end of the series. The rest of the top order will most probably consist of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.
Alternatives to Bumrah About Pacer Options
Due to Bumrah’s management of his workload, the Test match’s first eleven paceman options will be headlined by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. Though at times he has been erratic Siraj is an important figure in India’s pace bowling department. The domestic sensation Akash Deep, who has been in the spotlight recently, may also be forced to step up and fill the void left by the absence of experienced fast men.
Mayank Yadav, who is among the pacers shortlisted for the ongoing Australia tour, may make it into the squad if his fitness levels are okay Kongji. Yadav was included in the squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh hence he is in the radar of the team.
The Middle Order Puzzle: Sarfaraz and Rahul
Test cricket still eludes Sarfaraz Khan who has made his case through consistent run-making in the domestic circuit, However, with India looking to go with a full-strength side, it is improbable that Sarfaraz will be favored over KL Rahul to play in the first Test. Rahul, a veteran, is expected to keep his place in the squad for the opening encounter anyway. If the first two Tests are sealed in favor of India, then Sarfaraz may be drafted in for the last game for some experience of international Test cricket before the Australian tour.
India’s Most Probable Playing XI for the 1st Test
India’s probable playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand could make way for some new faces and also the resting of some key players. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are expected to start as openers with Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant occupying the center batting order. The spin department will likely consist of Ravindra Jadeja along with Ravichandran Ashwin, while the fast bowlers will be spearheaded by Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj. Moreover, as spin-friendly conditions are expected in Bengaluru, a left-arm wrist bowler, Kuldeep Yadav, will also be added to the squad.
India’s Probable Lineup Playing XI for the First Test versus New Zealand:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- R Ashwin
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
Conclusion
The forthcoming Test series against New Zealand will present yet another opportunity for India to build its ticket to the World Test Championship final. Given that Jasprit Bumrah will have a break and that India is looking to weave him and other new names like Gaikwad into the team, India will, in all likelihood, be able to continue winning. Watch live cricket for free with the tough Australian series coming up, choices taken in this series may impact the destiny of the team in Test cricket.
Most supporters, especially the die-hard ones, naturally regard BCCI as the Godfather of cricket than most other similar sporting bodies in the world. For whose excellence in cricket on the field has always been unmatched in all the forms of the game, more so Test matches।
FAQ
- What could be the factors for which Jasprit Bumrah rests for the first Test against New Zealand?
These reasons perhaps make Indian team management very cautious even with the fitness levels of Bumrah considering the Australia series is very important.
- Does Ruturaj Gaikwad get picked in the squad for the first Test against New Zealand?
Ruturaj Gaikwad might be ruled out for the first Test but only to have him included as a standby opening batsman in the second half of the series.
- Who are the most probable fast bowlers for India besides Bumrah?
Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep might be the leading pace attack for India in the first Test match against New Zealand.
- Is it likely that Sarfaraz Khan will be a part of the first Test match?
It’s doubtful that Sarfaraz Khan will get a chance in the first Test as KL would most likely be retained in the middle order.
- How crucial is this series in the context of India’s World Test Championship?
A 3-0 win against New Zealand would also seal India’s place in the World Test Championship final, thus this series is of paramount importance for their campaign.