IND vs NZ 1st Test: Toss Delayed Due to Heavy Rain in Bengaluru

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Rohit Sharma's Team India is ready to take on New Zealand in the first of a three-match Test series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, starting today. India, currently on a six-match winning streak in Test cricket, is coming off a strong 2-0 series win over Bangladesh.

Rain could play a significant role in the outcome of this opening Test. Bengaluru has been hit with heavy rain since last night, and as of half an hour before the scheduled time, which is 9:30 AM, showers continued and the toss has been delayed.

Although the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with excellent drainage systems, the persistent rain poses a challenge. Even if the downpour subsides, overcast conditions could lead to bad light, affecting play throughout the day.

The weather forecast for the day suggests that rain could continue into the afternoon, with the likelihood increasing to 51% by 1:00 PM IST. While conditions may improve later in the day, the threat of rain remains.

Both teams will have to be prepared for possible interruptions, as the weather could heavily influence the flow of this crucial Test series opener. India and New Zealand will both be keen to make the most of whatever play is possible as they aim for critical WTC points.

India have their sights firmly set on gaining more ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. On the other hand, New Zealand is eager to bounce back after suffering a 0-2 series loss to Sri Lanka in September. India will enter the match with an almost unchanged squad from the Bangladesh series.

Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, supported by the promising Akash Deep. The batting line-up will miss Shubman Gill, who has been sidelined due to a neck injury, but the young Yashasvi Jaiswal will aim to build on his impressive Test performances.

Captain Rohit Sharma and veteran batter Virat Kohli will be keen to get back among the runs, especially after facing criticism for their recent form. Sharma has notched up two centuries this year but will look to improve his overall average, while Kohli is yet to impress with the bat in hand in 2024.

New Zealand will be without their star batter Kane Williamson, who is recovering from an injury. Tom Latham will take over the captaincy, leading a Kiwi side that will need to regroup after their struggles in Sri Lanka. Despite missing Williamson, New Zealand is determined to put up a strong fight to stay in the race for WTC qualification.