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Ahead of India's three-match Test series against New Zealand, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel expressed strong confidence in the Rohit Sharma-led side's ability to triumph over any opponent in the longest format of the game. Since New Zealand defeated India in the 2021 World Test Championship final, India has rebounded impressively, reaching another final in 2023 and currently holding the top rank in Test cricket. The team is also coming off a dominant 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, showcasing aggressive batting in the rain-affected Kanpur Test.
Patel commented on the pitch conditions, stating, “I don't see pitches being like what they were against Bangladesh. It won't be seaming as much as it was in Chennai and Kanpur, but looking at this squad, I don't think India needs those kinds of pitches or even turners. This Indian team is good enough to beat any side in the world at this point.”
He emphasized the need for runs from key players like Rohit Sharma and mentioned that Axar Patel might play a crucial role. Patel acknowledged that while India is looking to win the series against New Zealand, they will face challenges, particularly from the left-arm spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel. Historically, Indian batters have struggled against left-arm spinners, making this aspect a critical focus for the upcoming matches.
The opening Test is set to take place in Bengaluru on October 16, followed by games in Pune and Mumbai. Former selector Saba Karim added that India must concentrate on the present rather than getting distracted by the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia later this year.
Karim pointed out the emergence of young pace bowlers, such as Akash Deep, and the depth in the spin department as positives for the Indian team. He remarked on the unusual inclusion of four traveling reserves—Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna—suggesting that the management is already considering future challenges.
However, he cautioned against taking New Zealand lightly, noting that despite their recent 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka, the team possesses resilience and has previously drawn a game in India. “India will have to work hard,” he concluded.
