IND vs NZ: Key Battles To Watchout For

The all-important test series between India and New Zealand is commencing tomorrow at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This series is one of the most important series for both teams to earn a place finals of the World Test Championship. Team India is currently at the top, fresh from a win against Bangladesh. The New Zealand Blackcaps are wounded by the losses they received against Sri Lanka last month.

With this series being the penultimate one for both sides, some key battles will define the outcome of this first test match and possibly the series. On this page, we'll focus on the battles to watchout for between India & New Zealand in the first test.

IND vs NZ: Key Player battles to watchout for

1. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Santner

Possibly the biggest battle to watchout for in this entire test series will be between India's ace batter Virat Kohli & New Zealand's wily left-arm spinner Mitch Santner. Kohli has been susceptible against Left orthodox spin in recent times, Kohli was dismissed by another left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the 2nd innings of the 2nd test at Kanpur. Santner has troubled Kohli in the past with his consistent lines and lengths. With Kohli searching for form his battle against Santner becomes a key battle to watchout for.

2. Rohit Sharma vs Tim Southee

Another Interesting battle to watchout for in this test series is between current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and former Kiwi captain Tim Southee who recently resigned from captaincy following the series loss against Sri Lanka in the subcontinent. Southee has troubled Rohit Sharma with his accuracy and nagging lengths in and outside India. Southee had dismissed Rohit Sharma in the 2nd innings of the WTC final in 2021 which New Zealand Won. If the overall records are concerned Sharma has scored just 46 runs against Southee in the last 5 meetings in the past.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Tom Latham

Ashwin & Left Handers is a never-ending love story, the wily off-spinner from Tamil Nadu has the wood over every visiting left-handed batter & the current New Zealand skipper is no different either. Ashwin has dismissed Tom Latham 8 times in test cricket who's the most reliable batter for the Kiwis in the middle order, especially in the absence of Kane Williamson. Ashwin vs Latham will be an exciting battle to watchout for.

Another Key battle that could've been mouthwatering to watch is between Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah & star Kiwi Batter Kane Williamson. Unfortunately, the former skipper won't be available at the start of this series as he is currently injured due to a groin strain.