Team India forced to cancel their training a day before India vs New Zealand Test in Bangalore; locked up in Hotel Room

Rain is all set to play spoilsport in the opening game of the upcoming three-match India vs New Zealand Test series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The much-awaited Test series between India and New Zealand is all set to get underway on October 16 in Bengaluru.

Heavy rains have already disturbed India's preparations for the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Persistent downpours canceled India's scheduled training session a day before the first Test against New Zealand on Tuesday (October 15).

Heavy rain forces India to cancel training before first Test against New Zealand

Team India’s training session was initially planned for 9:30 am, which was first delayed by an hour, only to be canceled eventually as the rain showed no signs of sympathizing. On the other hand, the New Zealand cricket team's training session, scheduled for 1.30 pm, is also in doubt, with rain looming large enough to impact their preparations as well.

Rain view at Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, Bengaluru today

Day 3 - 5 looks good as of now while rain interruption likely on Day 1 & 2#KarnatakaRains #BengaluruRains #BangaloreRains #Bangalore #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #BengaluruWeather #BangaloreWeather #BengaluruRain #BangaloreRain https://t.co/OyvD1a0YlV pic.twitter.com/sHqZnvdFYh

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) October 15, 2024

However, India and New Zealand both managed to have practice on Monday, October 14, but the situation turned worse overnight as heavy rains burst out in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a rain interruption during the first India vs New Zealand Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Absolutely pelting down in Bengaluru a day before the first #INDvNZ Test. India team practice delayed, and this doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon 😵‍💫@ESPNcricinfo pic.twitter.com/pJQEHwun52

— Ashish Pant (@ashishpant43) October 15, 2024

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted continuous rainfall over the first two days of the test, raising the possibility of major interruptions. A yellow alert has also been issued across Karnataka, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the first India vs New Zealand Test in Bengaluru.

Rain threatens to disrupt India vs New Zealand Test series opener in Bengaluru

The weather has already been wreaking havoc in Bengaluru, with relentless rain over the past week, and there is a 70% to 90% chance of rain on the first and second days of the first India vs New Zealand Test in the city.

The covers at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium have remained firmly in place, keeping the ground under wraps as the rain clouds continue to dominate the prospect. Earlier, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma assessed the pitch and had a lengthy discussion with the pitch curator at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Now, with the unpredictable weather, it remains to see whether the conditions allow for any play in Bengaluru. However, Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with a world-class drainage system that can handle heavy rains effectively. The ground is capable of quickly drying out once the rain stops, thanks to its advanced subsurface aeration technology.

Bengaluru's world-class drainage system comes into the focus

This system allows play to resume just minutes after the rain stops, making it possible for short bursts of play to happen between showers, but there should be sufficient intervals from rain during the upcoming first India vs New Zealand Test.

Notably, the Indian cricket team is coming into the New Zealand Test series on the back of a 2-0 win against Bangladesh at home, while the Kiwis will take on the hosts following their 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka.

India is currently leading the WTC 2023-25 standings, while New Zealand stands in the sixth spot ahead of the 1st India vs New Zealand Test.