After winning the T20I series 5-0 team India suffered a 3-0 drubbing to New-Zealand in the 50-over format. Now, Team India will lock horns against the Kiwis in the two-match Test series which is about to start on 21st February. Winning a Test series in New Zealand is always a difficult task for any visiting but Virat Kohli and Co. will be eager to make a massive statement with some fine performances.
India has got some quality players in every department while keeping in mind the bench strength they have in their dugout. The Kiwi bowlers will surely pose a tough challenge on home conditions where the ball tends to swing and seam.
Well, the Black Caps’ morale will be sky high after their 3-0 win over team India in the limited over format.
Ravi Shastri and the team management will have to do their homework in terms of selecting the right combinations keeping in mind the conditions and the nature of wickets.
Moreover, India surely has got the quality to dominate but Kohli’s team will be tested on Kiwis shores. India lost the two-Test series the last time when they toured New-Zealand in 2014 but the team has grown in confidence and experience since then. The team is looking much better while playing in overseas conditions.
Indian has a mix of youth and experience which should benefit them while some of the senior members have visited New Zealand earlier which will help in the team’s preparations.
In this piece, we have picked up five Indian players who could play a crucial role in the two-Test series.
Let’s take a look at such five Indian players to watch out for — in New Zealand Tests:
# 1 Virat Kohli
The skipper will once again lead the charge in the batting department. Kohli’s main strength is his ability to adjust his batting as per the conditions and the nature of the wicket. His previous experience of playing in New Zealand will help him to understand and assess the conditions.
Kohli is strong on both sides of the wicket and can split the gaps superbly with his classy cover drives and sublime wrist work. The 31-year-old is a sharp square of the wicket and can change his technique if the ball is doing a bit.
The right hander’s determination and his fearless captaincy could be the difference between both teams.
Kohli possesses solid defence in conditions which aid swing and seam bowling. Kohli scored 214 runs last time when India toured New-Zealand in 2014 which will give him the confidence ahead of
the traditional leg of this ongoing bilateral series.