New Zealand, fresh off their 2-0 series loss to Sri Lanka, have defied expectations in India, winning two Test matches on Indian soil for the first time in decades. Their pacers, led by Matt Henry and Tim Southee, set the tone in the first Test, while Mitchell Santner’s spin heroics in Pune secured the series. The Wankhede pitch, which traditionally offers bounce and swing, could again favor New Zealand’s bowlers, especially with memories of Ajaz Patel’s 10-wicket haul at the same venue in 2021 still fresh.
India, on the other hand, have struggled with their batting throughout the series. Despite individual moments of brilliance from Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the frequent collapses have cost them dearly. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing the importance of winning this Test, has ruled out any changes to the lineup, signaling the team will go all-in to salvage a victory.
For India, the key will be to avoid the batting collapses that plagued them in the first two matches.
Jasprit Bumrah, the pace spearhead, will again play a crucial role, though Gambhir admitted Bumrah has been conserving energy due to Mumbai’s conditions.
New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, will look to continue their momentum. With Kane Williamson absent, the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and their dangerous spin duo of Santner and Patel will be central to their plans. Patel, in particular, will be eager to repeat his heroics from 2021 at Wankhede.
This Test promises to be a fascinating contest, with India looking to bounce back and salvage some pride, while New Zealand will be keen to complete an unlikely whitewash in a country where they’ve historically struggled.
