New Delhi, India

After thrashing Bangladesh in a two-match series, Rohit Sharma-led India host New Zealand in three Tests as they aim to remain unbeaten at home. India have not lost a Test series on home soil since the 2012/13 England series. They have won as many as 18 consecutive series in their own backyard (most by any team) and, thus, will start the series opener on Wednesday (Oct 16) with full confidence. There is, however, a rain threat looming large for the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Before the series gets underway, let's look at the weather forecast for the opening day:

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According to Accuweather, Bengaluru weather on Wednesday is likely to see a rain percentage of 41, with thunderstorms predicted during the afternoon session.

Here is a look at the weather prediction for the entire Test:

Bengaluru Test weather prediction

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Also read: India coach Gautam Gambhir puts focus on 'adaptability' to be successful in Tests

Ahead of the series opener, India head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media and spoke about the team's focus on 'adaptability' to thrive in the purest format. 

At the pre-match presser, Gambhir said, "We want to be that team which can score 400 in a day and bat for two days to salvage a draw. And you call that growth, you call that adaptability, you call that Test cricket. If you play only one way, then there is no growth."

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In addition, the former Indian opener stressed that India have players for both situations - whether to bat for two days to save a game or score freely.

He added, "I can't talk about world cricket. Every team has their ideologies, their methods to play Test cricket. I can only talk about my team. If we are ever in such a situation where we have to bat for two days to draw a Test, we have players in the dressing room who can bat for two days. Ultimately, our first motive is to win a match and then if there is a situation where the team has to play for a draw, we have to keep those options open as well. That is the kind of Test cricket that we want to play."

After the home leg, comprising the Bangladesh and NZ series, India will travel to Australia for five Tests, starting on Nov 22 in Perth.