Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel axed as India likely to play with this combination in 1st Test vs New Zealand

Following a clean sweep against Bangladesh in both Tests and ODIs, the Indian men's cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand. The Indian team is reportedly set to play with a three-pacer lineup for the series opener against the Black Caps in Bengaluru.

The first Test match of the upcoming series will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, starting on Wednesday, October 16. Team India is confident and eager to continue its winning streak under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. They have won their last six Test matches on home soil.

New Zealand, on the other hand, is coming into the series with a whitewash against Sri Lanka last month.

Veteran pace bowler Tim Southee stepped down from the captaincy, and opening batter Tom Latham took over the charge. Kane Williamson will miss the first Test due to a groin strain.

India To Field 3-Pacer Combination In 1st Test vs New Zealand

According to a report in news agency PTI on Monday, India is considering playing three pacers in the first Test against New Zealand. The home team is set to retain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep in the Test. The grass and overcast weather predictions could impact India's strategy.

Depends On Conditions, Wicket, And Opposition - Gautam Gambhir

The weather is likely to be gloomy in Bengaluru in the coming days. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the final team composition will depend on various factors, including the conditions, the pitch, and the opposing team. Gambhir stated that they have many high-quality players in the squad.

“It (combination) depends on conditions, wicket, and opposition. The best part about this dressing room is that we’ve got so many high-quality players, and we can select any of them. We know they can do the job for us. That is what is called the depth,” Gambhir told reporters on Monday during India’s press conference.

“We’ll have a look at the wicket tomorrow (Tuesday). We’ll have a chat and see what is the best combination to do the job at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he added.

We've Got A Lot Of Quality Not Only Kuldeep Yadav - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also responded to the possibility of including Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel in the playing XI. The head coach stated that they only select the playing 11 who can do the job for us. He added that the team has a depth of quality, including Kuldeep Yadav.

“Obviously we’ve got a lot of quality, not only Kuldeep Yadav, but we’ve got a lot of other quality bowlers in the squad. I’ve said it before as well that we don’t leave anyone out. We only select the playing 11 who can do the job for us,” Gambhir said.

New Zealand batters faced challenges against spin during their recent Test series in Sri Lanka. They lost 37 wickets to spinners across two matches. The Men in Blue has four quality spinners in their squad to capitalize on this vulnerability. Meanwhile, New Zealand will rely on their fast bowlers.