The third and final Test between India and New Zealand kicks off at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1, 2024. The series was already sealed in favour of New Zealand. The Men in Blue face the daunting challenge of reclaiming pride and avoiding a whitewash on home turf. This rarity has shaken the cricketing fraternity. This series victory marks New Zealand’s first-ever Test series win in India. It is an achievement only a few touring sides have managed over the years.
Match Preview
India’s form has drawn seriuos concerns. They failed to deliver in Bengaluru and Pune. The matches exposed frailties in their famed batting lineup and the usually dependable spin department. The first Test at Bengaluru saw New Zealand chase down a stiff total, spearheaded by Rachin Ravindra’s steely innings that showcased New Zealand’s resolve.
The second Test in Pune only further tilted the scales in New Zealand’s favour. Mitchell Santner bagged a stunning 13-wicket haul, dismantling India on a track that spun sharply. Indian batters, known for their spin prowess, fell short against Santner’s precision.
The loss of back-to-back Tests at home has jeopardized India’s long-standing dominance. It also raised uncomfortable questions about their capacity to handle pressure in high-stakes scenarios. The Wankhede pitch, a spinner-friendly surface, could allow India to exploit their strengths. Yet, it can also further highlight their weaknesses if the Kiwis continue their tactical brilliance.
Team News
India
Rohit Sharma’s leadership has come under the spotlight. His team has struggled to capitalize on promising starts, both with bat and ball. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have shown glimpses of their potential. Yet, their efforts struggled to establish consistency at the crease, exposing the middle order to a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. With Virat Kohli’s form wavering, the team needs a solid innings from the star batsman to anchor their efforts.
In the bowling department, India’s spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja—have not lived up to expectations. It seems like they cannot contain New Zealand’s methodical batting approach. Yet, Washington Sundar emerged as a bright spot with a seven-wicket haul in Pune, making a case for his continued presence in the squad. The pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj may find limited assistance if the pitch spins early. Yet, Wankhede was known to offer bounce and carry, especially for seamers early on.
New Zealand
Tom Latham’s New Zealand side has remained composed and practical, displaying a disciplined approach that has tested India’s resilience at every step. With Kane Williamson missing out on this Test, the team will again lean on Rachin Ravindra. He has stepped up with aggressive yet calculated batting performances. His ability to tackle India’s spinners and anchor the innings has been crucial, adding a new dimension to New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Mitchell Santner has emerged as New Zealand’s standout performer. He took 13 wickets in the second Test and stamped his authority as the team’s leading spinner on Indian soil. Complemented by Glenn Phillips, his presence has bolstered New Zealand’s spin attack, considered the weaker aspect of their bowling. Tim Southee’s accuracy with his lines and Matt Henry’s sharp seam movement have kept the Indian batsmen under pressure. Henry’s role is expected to be crucial on a pitch that may offer early bounce.
Probable Playing XI
India’s Probable XI:
- Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand’s Probable XI:
Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke.
Key Players to Watch
India
- Virat Kohli: His form has been inconsistent, period. However, his experience on spinning tracks could prove invaluable at Wankhede. Known for his adaptability, Kohli has often played match-defining innings under pressure. A strong showing from Kohli could lift India’s morale and give the middle order a much-needed anchor.
- Washington Sundar: His seven-wicket haul in Pune has made Sundar India’s secret weapon on turning pitches. Sundar’s all-round abilities could prove essential, especially if Ashwin and Jadeja continue to underperform. Sundar’s skill in holding one end with the ball. He can also contribute by delivering valuable lower-order runs. This may offer India added depth and flexibility in the lineup.
New Zealand
- Rachin Ravindra: New Zealand’s new batting mainstay, Ravindra, has been rock-solid against India’s spinners. His ability to play long innings has frustrated India’s bowlers, who have struggled to find a way past him. Ravindra’s composure and technique will be instrumental for New Zealand, mainly if they aim to bat time and grind down India’s attack.
- Mitchell Santner: Santner’s 13-wicket haul in the second Test underscored his capability to turn games around with his spin. On the Wankhede surface, Santner’s disciplined approach and clever variations could challenge Indian batsmen again.
Match Prediction
India heads into this Test under immense pressure to avoid a whitewash at home. Historically, India has been nearly unassailable on home soil. A 3-0 series defeat would be an huge setback, considering the team’s dominance in spin-friendly conditions. India still remain the favourite because of their experience and talent. New Zealand’s balanced lineup and tactical superiority have exposed India’s vulnerabilities, especially in the spin department.
India’s success will depend on the spinners returning to form and the top-order batters showing resilience against New Zealand’s bowlers. The Wankhede pitch traditionally offers something for everyone like spin, bounce, and seam. Yet, the spinners are expected to dictate terms as the game progresses. India’s spinners must find a way to outfox New Zealand’s disciplined batters. Their batsmen will need to counter Santner’s spin and New Zealand’s potent attack effectively.
The Kiwis ride high on their historic series victory. They enter the final Test with a psychological edge. Yet, a determined Indian side, buoyed by home support, could still challenge New Zealand’s hopes of a clean sweep. With pride on the line, India’s battle against the Kiwis promises to be a contest of grit and skill at Wankhede.
New Zealand in their current form hold a slight edge, especially if their spinners continue to exploit India’s frailty against slow bowling. However, an Indian fightback cannot be ruled out, as they aim to close the series on a high note and avoid the shame of a whitewash.
