The much-anticipated India vs New Zealand three-match Test series kicked off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17, 2024. India, coming off a dominating 2-0 Test series win against Bangladesh, entered the series with high confidence. However, Indian fans were surprised to see that Akash Deep, who had been impressive in the recent series, was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand.
Akash Deep’s Exclusion: A Tactical Decision
While Akash Deep had performed well in the recent two-Test series against Bangladesh, taking crucial wickets, the decision to omit him from the first Test against New Zealand was made for tactical reasons. The pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for assisting spinners as the match progresses. Given this, India opted for a spin-heavy attack, which led to the exclusion of Akash Deep in favor of left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s strategy is to exploit the spin-friendly nature of the Bengaluru pitch, which tends to break up and offer turn as the match wears on. The team management, led by captain Rohit Sharma, believes that having three spinners—Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav—will give them the best chance of taking 20 wickets, especially against a New Zealand side that has shown vulnerability against spin in subcontinent conditions.
Kuldeep Yadav Replaces Akash Deep
Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion strengthens India’s spin attack, giving the team more variety with a wrist-spinner alongside the finger-spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja. This change was primarily influenced by the weather conditions and the nature of the pitch, which had been covered due to rain on the first day. Once the clouds clear, it is expected that the pitch will dry up and start to turn, giving the spinners a significant role in the match.
Despite Akash Deep’s impressive showings against Bangladesh, where he played a key role in both Test victories, the team decided to prioritize spin for this game. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack, India is confident they have enough firepower in the fast bowling department.
Rohit Sharma’s Tactical Explanation
At the toss, Rohit Sharma explained the decision to bat first and the reasons behind the changes in the playing XI. He said, “We are going to have a bat first. It has been under the covers, and we do understand that it could be slightly sticky early on, but the nature of the pitch is such that you would want to put runs on the board first. From the last two Tests, Shubman Gill misses out, and Sarfaraz comes in. Kuldeep comes in for Akash.”
India’s Spin Trio
With Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion, India is banking on a three-man spin attack to dominate New Zealand in Bengaluru’s turning conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket, will lead the spin department, supported by Ravindra Jadeja, who offers consistency and control with the ball. Kuldeep Yadav, known for his ability to extract turn and bounce, adds the much-needed wrist-spin option that could trouble the Kiwi batters.
Akash Deep’s Recent Form
Akash Deep has been an exciting addition to India’s pace attack, known for his ability to generate good pace and movement off the seam. He played both Tests against Bangladesh, contributing with vital breakthroughs. His exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand is purely based on the conditions in Bengaluru, and he remains an important member of the Indian squad for the remainder of the series.
India’s Lineup for the 1st Test
India’s playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand is as follows:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (w)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand’s Lineup
New Zealand fielded a balanced lineup, with Tom Latham leading the team:
- Tom Latham (c)
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Blundell (w)
- Glenn Phillips
- Matt Henry
- Tim Southee
- Ajaz Patel
- William O’Rourke
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