Rain Threat Looms Over India vs New Zealand First Test in Bengaluru, Draw Likely

India vs New Zealand 1st Test : The first match of the three Test series between India and New Zealand is set to take place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting October 16. However, given the current conditions, a draw seems likely. The Indian Test team is riding high after sweeping Bangladesh in both the two-match Test series and the three-match T20 series, positioning themselves at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table.

In contrast, New Zealand is coming off a disappointing loss in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, leaving them sixth in the WTC standings. This match is crucial for New Zealand as they navigate the championship landscape, especially under the new captaincy of Tom Latham, following Tim Southee's resignation after the Sri Lanka series.

The weather poses another challenge, with heavy rain expected in Bengaluru. Tuesday's practice session was canceled due to inclement weather, and forecasts indicate a likelihood of rain throughout the match. The first two days are expected to see a partly cloudy sky with over a 40% chance of rain and thunderstorms

Specifically, Friday, October 18, shows a 67% chance of rain and thunderstorms. While the weather is anticipated to improve by Saturday, with only a 25% chance of rain, the skies are expected to remain cloudy

Chinnaswamy Stadium is equipped with a strong drainage system, which may mitigate disruptions if the rain isn't too heavy. However, based on the forecast, it seems the weather may not cooperate, making a draw a strong possibility for this match.

More & more rain bands are moving into BENGALURU city

Moderate to intense showers are likely to continue till late noon#KarnatakaRains #BengaluruRains #BangaloreRains #Bangalore #Karnataka #BengaluruRain #BangaloreRain https://t.co/eK1Vx0rF9w pic.twitter.com/gnZDVeA0Zo

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) October 15, 2024

Heavy rain Next 4to5 days in chinnaswamy stadium Bengaluru .
This stadium venue India VS New Zealand First test.#INDVSNZ pic.twitter.com/3GNQhTKXsF

— JassPreet (@JassPreet96) October 14, 2024

October 16: 41% chance of rain

October 17: 40% chance of rain

October 18: 67% chance of rain

October 19: 25% chance of rain

October 20: 40% chance of rain

India vs New Zealand Head To Head in Tests :

Total matches played: 62

India won: 22

New Zealand won: 13 

Draw: 27


India’s squad for 3 Tests:

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Travelling Reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

New Zealand's squad for 3 Tests:

Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, Ajaz Patel, Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, William O'Rourke