India’s captain Rohit Sharma made headlines with the announcement of the playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand, revealing some notable changes to the lineup.
Key Changes in the Playing XI
- Shubman Gill Omitted: Star batter Shubman Gill has been left out due to neck stiffness, with Rohit confirming that Gill was not “100 percent fit” for the match. This decision highlights the team’s emphasis on player health over immediate selection.
- Sarfaraz Khan’s Inclusion: Replacing Gill, Sarfaraz Khan has been given a chance in the XI. The young batsman, who has been in stellar form in domestic cricket, will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.
- Kuldeep Yadav Replaces Akash Deep: Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been brought into the lineup in place of pacer Akash Deep as India opts for a spin-heavy attack on a pitch that is expected to favor spinners.
India’s Playing XI
The final lineup for the Test match is as follows:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Match Context
The match is being played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where rain delayed the start on the first day. The toss took place on the second day, with India opting to bat first under slightly challenging conditions.
India’s selection reflects a strategic approach, balancing player fitness and pitch conditions for the crucial Test.
