Whenever India play at home, they are by default termed as the favorites. In the likes of R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the men in blue possess some serious talent and they are two spinners, who can change the outlook of a game within sessions. The last time India played a test series at home, they dethroned the then number one test side South Africa with utmost ease.
Their opponents this time around, already come on the back of a series defeat in South Africa. New Zealand’s warm up game against Ranji Champions Mumbai, wasn’t any satisfactory either, as a second string domestic team gave the Kiwis an absolute run for their money.
Despite being the favorites, Indian skipper Virat Kohli is far from being complacent, and in his interaction with the press, stated that his side wouldn’t underestimate New Zealand. “We expect really good competition and good, hard-fought cricket. They’re a side that doesn’t give up and they have pretty skillful players in their team. So we’re very wary of that, but at the same time we’re aware of our strengths as well,” said an optimistic Kohli at the pre match press conference.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson was eager to change his side’s fortune in this part of the globe. It must be noted, that New Zealand have won just two tests in India. They are yet to win a test here since 1988 and considering the current Indian setup, that seems to be a mammoth task for the New Zealand side.
“We have won two Test matches in our history here,” Hesson said. “So we know it is a tough place to come and win. As it is for any touring side. And India are playing good cricket at the moment, but we have got a group of cricketers who will be highly competitive. That’s our challenge. To be highly competitive and stay in the game for long periods of time. Then anything can happen.”