The much-anticipated India vs New Zealand Test series is set to kick off today, 16th October, at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This three-match series holds special significance for Team India as they look to secure their spot in the World Test Championship final. However, an added responsibility lies on the shoulders of captain Rohit Sharma—to maintain India’s 36-year unbeaten record against New Zealand in home Test matches.
India’s Unbeaten Streak at Home Against New Zealand
Since 1988, New Zealand has not managed to win a single Test match on Indian soil. The last time the Kiwis tasted victory in India was over three decades ago. Rohit Sharma, now leading the Indian side, will aim to continue this dominance, extending India’s unbeaten run at home against the Blackcaps. In the 36 Test matches played between these two sides in India, India has won 17, New Zealand just 2, and the remaining 17 matches ended in draws.
Head-to-Head Record Between India and New Zealand
The rivalry between India and New Zealand in Test cricket has been long-standing. Out of 62 matches played between the two nations, India has emerged victorious 22 times, while New Zealand has won 13 matches. The remaining 27 games have ended in a draw. While India has been dominant at home, New Zealand has given tough competition in neutral and away conditions, especially in recent years.
Interestingly, in the last five Test matches between these two teams, New Zealand has the upper hand, winning three of them, while India has secured victory in just one match, with the fifth ending in a draw. The last encounter between the two teams in India was in 2021 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, where India secured a win.
Rohit Sharma’s Challenge and Squad for the Series
For Rohit Sharma, this series is a significant test of his leadership. With India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final hanging in the balance, the team cannot afford to take New Zealand lightly. Rohit will rely on a strong squad that includes experienced players like Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah, alongside promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.
India’s Test squad includes: Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
New Zealand’s Struggles in India and Current Squad
New Zealand’s struggles in India are well-documented. The Kiwis first toured India in 1955 and managed their first victory in 1969 at Nagpur. Their second and last victory on Indian soil came in 1988 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where they won by 136 runs. However, since then, the Blackcaps have been unable to break India’s dominance at home.
Despite their poor record in India, New Zealand boasts a talented squad, captained by Tom Latham, with experienced players like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and spinner Ajaz Patel. Patel, interestingly, was born just before New Zealand’s last win in India. The team will be looking to change their fortunes and give India a tough fight in the upcoming series.
New Zealand’s Test squad includes: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (captain), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel, and William O’Rourke.
As the series kicks off, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and his team to see if they can continue their 36-year unbeaten streak against the Blackcaps at home.
