<p>India and New Zealand's first Test, in Kanpur, ended in a riveting draw on Monday (November 29). The fifth day started with all three results very much on the cards. Ajinkya Rahane-led India needed 9 more wickets whereas Kane Williamson's New Zealand required another 280 runs, being 4 for 1 at stumps on Day 4.</p>

<p>The contest resumed with NZ ending the first session without losing a single wicket. Nonetheless, the game changed quickly post the lunch break as the visitors slipped to 155-9 after being well-placed at 79 for 1 at one stage. R Ashwin's 3-fer and Ravindra Jadeja's 4 for 40 led India on the brink of a big win before debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel played out 52 deliveries, for the last wicket, to ensure a famous draw in Kanpur.</p>

<p>While Day 5 had plenty of drama and action, both India and New Zealand had to settle for a draw eventually. However, former Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne wasn't impressed with Rahane &amp; Co. for not taking the new ball as soon as it was available during the fag end of the contest.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-goods-test-cricket-glenn-maxwells-tweet-goes-viral-during-day-5-of-india-nz-kanpur-face-off-432831"><strong>How good’s test cricket: Glenn Maxwell's tweet goes viral during Day 5 of India-NZ Kanpur face-off</strong></a></p>

<p>Warne tweeted, "Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts?"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts ?</p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1465261629335953410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796"><strong>None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</strong></a></p>

<p>After the drawn Kanpur Test, stand-in captain Rahane told the broadcasters, "Very good game of cricket, they played really well. We came back really well after the first session. We wanted to get that partnership going. We were looking to bowl 5-6 overs in the end, but we needed that partnership to carry on. I don't think we could have done anything different. The chat with the umps was about the light. As a fielding team, you want to bowl more overs, as a batting unit you don't want to bat in that situation. The chat was about the light, but umpires made the call and I thought they were right. I thought on this wicket the spinners had to bowl long spells. It was all about rotating the bowlers and they bowled really well. I am really happy for Shreyas. He had to wait a long time for his Test debut. He batted really well. The way he works, his record in FC cricket is really good. Virat is coming back for the next game. We'll have to wait and see till the Mumbai game. I am not going to make any comments but the management will make a call."</p>

<p>The series finale will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3. Regular captain Virat Kohli will return to the squad and look to take the hosts to a 1-0 series win.</p>


India and New Zealand's first Test, in Kanpur, ended in a riveting draw on Monday (November 29). The fifth day started with all three results very much on the cards.

India and New Zealand's first Test, in Kanpur, ended in a riveting draw on Monday (November 29). The fifth day started with all three results very much on the cards. Ajinkya Rahane-led India needed 9 more wickets whereas Kane Williamson's New Zealand required another 280 runs, being 4 for 1 at stumps on Day 4. The contest resumed with NZ ending the first session without losing a single wicket. Nonetheless, the game changed quickly post the lunch break as the visitors slipped to 155-9 after being well-placed at 79 for 1 at one stage. R Ashwin's 3-fer and Ravindra Jadeja's 4 for 40 led India on the brink of a big win before debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel played out 52 deliveries, for the last wicket, to ensure a famous draw in Kanpur. While Day 5 had plenty of drama and action, both India and New Zealand had to settle for a draw eventually. However, former Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne wasn't impressed with Rahane & Co. for not taking the new ball as soon as it was available during the fag end of the contest. ALSO READ | How good’s test cricket: Glenn Maxwell's tweet goes viral during Day 5 of India-NZ Kanpur face-off Warne tweeted, "Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts?" Very surprised India didn’t take the new ball when it was available !!!! Strange they are still bowling with the old ball as light and overs running out !!!!!! Thoughts ? — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 29, 2021 × ALSO READ | None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test After the drawn Kanpur Test, stand-in captain Rahane told the broadcasters, "Very good game of cricket, they played really well. We came back really well after the first session. We wanted to get that partnership going. We were looking to bowl 5-6 overs in the end, but we needed that partnership to carry on. I don't think we could have done anything different. The chat with the umps was about the light. As a fielding team, you want to bowl more overs, as a batting unit you don't want to bat in that situation. The chat was about the light, but umpires made the call and I thought they were right. I thought on this wicket the spinners had to bowl long spells. It was all about rotating the bowlers and they bowled really well. I am really happy for Shreyas. He had to wait a long time for his Test debut. He batted really well. The way he works, his record in FC cricket is really good. Virat is coming back for the next game. We'll have to wait and see till the Mumbai game. I am not going to make any comments but the management will make a call." The series finale will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3. Regular captain Virat Kohli will return to the squad and look to take the hosts to a 1-0 series win.

Shane Warne left baffled, points out India's 'strange tactic' during Day 5 of drawn Kanpur Test

<p>India and New Zealand produced a thrilling end to the first Test at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday (November 29). At the start of the day's play, all three results were on the cards as hosts Ajinkya Rahane-led India needed 9 wickets whereas the Black Caps required 280 more for a win (being 4 for 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While New Zealand started the day's play on a bang, going into the lunch session without losing a wicket at 79/1, before Umesh Yadav's strike in the second session led to the Kiwis' collapse. From 79 for 1, the NZ batting line-up slipped to 155 for 9 before the last-wicket stand, between debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, bailed the Kiwis out of a crisis as they survived 52 balls to ensure a riveting draw.</p>

<p>Thus, world cricket had a close eye on the series opener between India and New Zealand, due to the topsy-turvy contest witnessed at Kanpur. As the pitch had everything for pacers, spinners and batters,&nbsp;the contest went down the wire&nbsp;with plenty of drama and action&nbsp;in&nbsp;the last half hour. Hence, many tweeted regarding the proceedings in Kanpur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Glenn Maxwell, Australia's limited-overs all-rounder, also tweeted on the IND-NZ Test match. He wrote, "Anyone else watching INDvNZ. How good's Test cricket?" His tweet went viral in no time as the all-rounder also got a reply from Aussie great Shane Warne (who agreed with him and stated how keenly he is awaiting the start of Ashes 2021).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796"><strong>None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anyone else watching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a>?<br />
How good’s test cricket?</p>
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32/status/1465270977307176961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-reacts-as-r-ashwin-topples-him-to-become-indias-3rd-highest-wicket-taker-in-tests-432808"><strong>Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests</strong></a></p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'">Talking about the Kanpur Test, Rahane-led India won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on half-centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer's 105, India posted 345 in the first essay. In reply, NZ managed 296 all-out before India declared their second innings at 234-7, setting up a stiff 284-run target. The Kiwis ended the game at 165/9 as bad light led to a ten-minute early stumps on the final day</p>

<p ng-bind-html="comm[ts].comm" ng-class="get_comm_class(comm[ts]) " ng-hide="comm[ts].geo != null &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.length &gt; 0 &amp;&amp; comm[ts].geo.indexOf($root.$GEO.country) == -1" ng-if="comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:news' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:video' &amp;&amp; comm[ts].evt != 'Plugin:comments'">After the game, Rahane told the broadcasters, "Very good game of cricket, they played really well. We came back really well after the first session. We wanted to get that partnership going. We were looking to bowl 5-6 overs in the end, but we needed that partnership to carry on. I don't think we could have done anything different. The chat with the umps was about the light. As a fielding team, you want to bowl more overs, as a batting unit you don't want to bat in that situation. The chat was about the light, but umpires made the call and I thought they were right. I thought on this wicket the spinners had to bowl long spells. It was all about rotating the bowlers and they bowled really well. I am really happy for Shreyas. He had to wait a long time for his Test debut. He batted really well. The way he works, his record in FC cricket is really good. Virat is coming back for the next game. We'll have to wait and see till the Mumbai game. I am not going to make any comments but the management will make a call."</p>


India and New Zealand produced a thrilling end to the first Test at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday (November 29). At the start of the day's play, all three results were on the cards as hosts Ajinkya Rahane-led India needed 9 wickets whereas the Black Caps required 280 more for a win (being 4 for 1).

India and New Zealand produced a thrilling end to the first Test at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday (November 29). At the start of the day's play, all three results were on the cards as hosts Ajinkya Rahane-led India needed 9 wickets whereas the Black Caps required 280 more for a win (being 4 for 1). While New Zealand started the day's play on a bang, going into the lunch session without losing a wicket at 79/1, before Umesh Yadav's strike in the second session led to the Kiwis' collapse. From 79 for 1, the NZ batting line-up slipped to 155 for 9 before the last-wicket stand, between debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, bailed the Kiwis out of a crisis as they survived 52 balls to ensure a riveting draw. Thus, world cricket had a close eye on the series opener between India and New Zealand, due to the topsy-turvy contest witnessed at Kanpur. As the pitch had everything for pacers, spinners and batters, the contest went down the wire with plenty of drama and action in the last half hour. Hence, many tweeted regarding the proceedings in Kanpur. Glenn Maxwell, Australia's limited-overs all-rounder, also tweeted on the IND-NZ Test match. He wrote, "Anyone else watching INDvNZ. How good's Test cricket?" His tweet went viral in no time as the all-rounder also got a reply from Aussie great Shane Warne (who agreed with him and stated how keenly he is awaiting the start of Ashes 2021). ALSO READ | None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test Anyone else watching #INDvsNZ? How good’s test cricket? — Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) November 29, 2021 × ALSO READ | Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests Talking about the Kanpur Test, Rahane-led India won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on half-centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer's 105, India posted 345 in the first essay. In reply, NZ managed 296 all-out before India declared their second innings at 234-7, setting up a stiff 284-run target. The Kiwis ended the game at 165/9 as bad light led to a ten-minute early stumps on the final day After the game, Rahane told the broadcasters, "Very good game of cricket, they played really well. We came back really well after the first session. We wanted to get that partnership going. We were looking to bowl 5-6 overs in the end, but we needed that partnership to carry on. I don't think we could have done anything different. The chat with the umps was about the light. As a fielding team, you want to bowl more overs, as a batting unit you don't want to bat in that situation. The chat was about the light, but umpires made the call and I thought they were right. I thought on this wicket the spinners had to bowl long spells. It was all about rotating the bowlers and they bowled really well. I am really happy for Shreyas. He had to wait a long time for his Test debut. He batted really well. The way he works, his record in FC cricket is really good. Virat is coming back for the next game. We'll have to wait and see till the Mumbai game. I am not going to make any comments but the management will make a call."

How good’s test cricket: Glenn Maxwell's tweet goes viral during Day 5 of India-NZ Kanpur face-off

<p>India head coach Rahul Dravid has backed captain Ajinkya Rahane to come good, saying that he is a quality player who did well for India in the past. He insisted that it is a matter of just one innings for Rahane to get back into form.<br />
<br />
In Test matches this year, Rahane has now scored 411 runs in 21 innings at an average of 19.57, with just two half-centuries. A lot was expected of him in the first Test but Rahane registered scores of 35 and 4, resulting in his Test career average going below 40.<br />
<br />
"You don`t get worried (about Rahane`s poor form). Of course, I would like more runs coming off the bat of Ajinkya. I am sure he would like a few more runs. He`s a quality player and done well for India in the past. He`s one of those quality players and has got the experience. It is just a matter of innings in a game where he can turn that around. He would like to score more runs and he knows that and we also know that," said Dravid in the post-match press conference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-reacts-as-r-ashwin-topples-him-to-become-indias-3rd-highest-wicket-taker-in-tests-432808"><strong>Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests</strong></a></p>

<p>Dravid shielded from giving hints on the make-up of the playing eleven for the second Test in Mumbai, where regular skipper Virat Kohli will join the squad. "See, we`haven`t decided yet. It will be too early to decide because we were thinking of this Test match. When we will go to Mumbai, we will see the conditions, pitch, the fitness of the players, and consultation with Virat Kohli, who will come as well. Then we will decide who will be a part of the playing eleven."<br />
<br />
Dravid was in praise of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer shining in his debut outing in Test cricket, adding that it was a validation of the system in Indian cricket. Iyer was the top scorer for India in both innings, scoring 105 and 65 on debut, which saw him bag the Player of the Match award.<br />
<br />
"I think it`s great to see the young guys come through and perform straightaway on debut. We saw that little bit in the T20 series as well with one or two players who came in and made a good account of themselves. It`s always good to see a young kid come in and do well for India in his first Test match. It`s obviously a reflection of that person but it is also a really good reflection of the Indian system that we have been properly able to develop."<br />
<br />
"It is not just` India A, he`s played at Mumbai, at various levels, and at club cricket. But he has developed and grown into a cricketer who can come into the international scene and perform straightaway. Really happy for Shreyas. He has worked really hard and has earned it. It wasn`t easy for him, considering the fact that he has averaged over 50 in first-class crick`t, but hadn`t played first-class cricket for three year` and wouldn`t have reached the level if we hadn`t got the injuries or had people resting. But he got his opportunities and taken it with both hands. He`s really shown his quality."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796"><strong>None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</strong></a></p>

<p>The 48-year-old hailed Ravichandran Ashwin`s achievement of surpassing Harbhajan Singh to be the third-highest wicket-take for India in Test cricket with 418 scalps, choosing to focus more on his evolution and growth as an off-spinner. "It`s a phenomenal achievement. Harbhajan Singh was a really fine bowler and someone I played a lot of cricket with. Terrific bowler for India and what Ashwin has done to go past him in 80 Test matches is a phenomenal achievement."<br />
<br />
"Ashwin is one of those guys who has been an absolute match-winner for India. Even today, on this difficult wicket, the way he pulled us back into the game, that third morning with that spell of 11 overs was absolutely phenomenal and then today, just to keep us alive in the game, constantly threatening on wickets like this, is a tribute to his skill and ability."<br />
<br />
"I think he`s just evolved and kept growing. He`s one of the guys who just keeps thinking about the game and keeps evolving as well as changing. That is why he is got where he has. You don`t achieve what Ashwin has without growing, improving` and evolving. It`s a pleasure to have someone like him in the dressing room and really happy for him to achieve what he has," concluded Dravid.</p>


India head coach Rahul Dravid has backed captain Ajinkya Rahane to come good, saying that he is a quality player who did well for India in the past. He insisted that it is a matter of just one innings for Rahane to get back into form.

India head coach Rahul Dravid has backed captain Ajinkya Rahane to come good, saying that he is a quality player who did well for India in the past. He insisted that it is a matter of just one innings for Rahane to get back into form. In Test matches this year, Rahane has now scored 411 runs in 21 innings at an average of 19.57, with just two half-centuries. A lot was expected of him in the first Test but Rahane registered scores of 35 and 4, resulting in his Test career average going below 40. "You don`t get worried (about Rahane`s poor form). Of course, I would like more runs coming off the bat of Ajinkya. I am sure he would like a few more runs. He`s a quality player and done well for India in the past. He`s one of those quality players and has got the experience. It is just a matter of innings in a game where he can turn that around. He would like to score more runs and he knows that and we also know that," said Dravid in the post-match press conference. ALSO READ | Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests Dravid shielded from giving hints on the make-up of the playing eleven for the second Test in Mumbai, where regular skipper Virat Kohli will join the squad. "See, we`haven`t decided yet. It will be too early to decide because we were thinking of this Test match. When we will go to Mumbai, we will see the conditions, pitch, the fitness of the players, and consultation with Virat Kohli, who will come as well. Then we will decide who will be a part of the playing eleven." Dravid was in praise of middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer shining in his debut outing in Test cricket, adding that it was a validation of the system in Indian cricket. Iyer was the top scorer for India in both innings, scoring 105 and 65 on debut, which saw him bag the Player of the Match award. "I think it`s great to see the young guys come through and perform straightaway on debut. We saw that little bit in the T20 series as well with one or two players who came in and made a good account of themselves. It`s always good to see a young kid come in and do well for India in his first Test match. It`s obviously a reflection of that person but it is also a really good reflection of the Indian system that we have been properly able to develop." "It is not just` India A, he`s played at Mumbai, at various levels, and at club cricket. But he has developed and grown into a cricketer who can come into the international scene and perform straightaway. Really happy for Shreyas. He has worked really hard and has earned it. It wasn`t easy for him, considering the fact that he has averaged over 50 in first-class crick`t, but hadn`t played first-class cricket for three year` and wouldn`t have reached the level if we hadn`t got the injuries or had people resting. But he got his opportunities and taken it with both hands. He`s really shown his quality." ALSO READ | None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test The 48-year-old hailed Ravichandran Ashwin`s achievement of surpassing Harbhajan Singh to be the third-highest wicket-take for India in Test cricket with 418 scalps, choosing to focus more on his evolution and growth as an off-spinner. "It`s a phenomenal achievement. Harbhajan Singh was a really fine bowler and someone I played a lot of cricket with. Terrific bowler for India and what Ashwin has done to go past him in 80 Test matches is a phenomenal achievement." "Ashwin is one of those guys who has been an absolute match-winner for India. Even today, on this difficult wicket, the way he pulled us back into the game, that third morning with that spell of 11 overs was absolutely phenomenal and then today, just to keep us alive in the game, constantly threatening on wickets like this, is a tribute to his skill and ability." "I think he`s just evolved and kept growing. He`s one of the guys who just keeps thinking about the game and keeps evolving as well as changing. That is why he is got where he has. You don`t achieve what Ashwin has without growing, improving` and evolving. It`s a pleasure to have someone like him in the dressing room and really happy for him to achieve what he has," concluded Dravid.

He's a quality player and done well for India in the past: Rahul Dravid backs under-fire Ajinkya Rahane

<p>R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format.</p>

<p>Ashwin was five wickets away from moving past Harbhajan's wicket-tally when India commenced the first Test versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand at Kanpur. The 35-year-old returned with a three-wicket haul in NZ's first essay and removed openers Will Young and Latham, in the final innings, to topple Bhajji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Ashwin reacted to the news of moving past Harbhajan and told the broadcasters, "These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it's wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he's kept saying that how many ever wickets you take, how many ever runs you make in 10 years time, you won't remember them. It's the memories that matters so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years."</p>

<p><strong>The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows:</strong></p>

<p>Anil Kumble - 619</p>

<p>Kapil Dev - 434</p>

<p><strong>R Ashwin - 419*</strong></p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh - 417</p>

<p>Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796"><strong>None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</strong></a></p>

<p>On the other hand, the veteran off-spinner Harbhajan also reacted to Ashwin's feat and told PTI, "I would like to congratulate Ashwin on his milestone. Well done and hope he wins many more matches for India. I never believed in comparisons. We played our best cricket in different times, against different opposition. I had done my best for the country back then and ditto for Ashwin, he did his best now."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-wasim-jaffer-shares-an-out-of-the-box-suggestion-on-who-could-open-with-shubman-gill-in-2nd-test-432784">IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer shares an 'out-of-the-box' suggestion on who could open with Shubman Gill in 2nd Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Ashwin returned with six wickets in the first Test but couldn't take Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. to a win as NZ managed a draw at stumps on Day Five, being 165/9 in pursuit of 284. The second and final Test will get underway from December 3 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.</p>


R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format.

R Ashwin dismissed Tom Latham (52) during the final day's play between India and New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur. With his wicket, Ashwin achieved a huge milestone as the wily off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third highest wicket-taker in the red-ball format. Ashwin was five wickets away from moving past Harbhajan's wicket-tally when India commenced the first Test versus the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand at Kanpur. The 35-year-old returned with a three-wicket haul in NZ's first essay and removed openers Will Young and Latham, in the final innings, to topple Bhajji. After the match, Ashwin reacted to the news of moving past Harbhajan and told the broadcasters, "These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it's wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he's kept saying that how many ever wickets you take, how many ever runs you make in 10 years time, you won't remember them. It's the memories that matters so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years." The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows: Anil Kumble - 619 Kapil Dev - 434 R Ashwin - 419* Harbhajan Singh - 417 Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311 ALSO READ | None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test On the other hand, the veteran off-spinner Harbhajan also reacted to Ashwin's feat and told PTI, "I would like to congratulate Ashwin on his milestone. Well done and hope he wins many more matches for India. I never believed in comparisons. We played our best cricket in different times, against different opposition. I had done my best for the country back then and ditto for Ashwin, he did his best now." ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer shares an 'out-of-the-box' suggestion on who could open with Shubman Gill in 2nd Test Ashwin returned with six wickets in the first Test but couldn't take Ajinkya Rahane & Co. to a win as NZ managed a draw at stumps on Day Five, being 165/9 in pursuit of 284. The second and final Test will get underway from December 3 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Harbhajan Singh reacts as R Ashwin topples him to become India's 3rd highest wicket-taker in Tests

<p>India and New Zealand were involved in a thrilling first Test at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, Ajinkya Rahane-led India posted 345 all-out whereas New Zealand were bundled out for 296 in their first essay. In their second innings, India declared at 234-7, giving the Kiwis a stiff 284-run target. Riding on Tom Latham's 52 and Rachin Ravindra's 18 not out, off 91 balls, the visitors ensured a draw in the last half hour of Day Five.</p>

<p>Ahead of the second and final Test, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India have some selection issues to address. With regular captain Virat Kohli set to return for the series finale, on December 3, the Rahul Dravid-led think tank will have to drop a batter from the top or the middle-order. In this regard, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has suggested an 'out-of-the-box' name who can accompany Shubman Gill at the order, if Mayank Agarwal is dropped.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-rachin-ravindra-tom-latham-stand-tall-as-visitors-earn-a-draw-vs-rahane-co-432755"><strong>IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham stand tall as visitors earn a draw vs Rahane &amp; Co.</strong></a></p>

<p>“It’s a toss-up between Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane. I would think on those two. That’s the toss-up that Virat Kohli has to make. Whether he wants to go with Mayank Agarwal and give him another go or whether [he thinks] Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t got enough runs in the last 10-12 Test matches after that Melbourne Test so he goes out. It’s a tough call, definitely a tough call. It depends on whom the sword falls on,” said Wasim Jaffer in a chat with ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p>“I think I will open with Saha if at all Mayank Agarwal goes out because then everybody bats out of their position. Pujara will open and then&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane&nbsp;will bat at some other position… If Saha opens then everyone bats at the same position. And you can do that in Indian conditions with Saha. Is it a long-term call? Definitely not because India will go to South Africa. So, they’ll have to reconsider their top-six for Mumbai,” concluded the meme-specialist.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-make-way-for-kohli-ex-all-rounder-names-senior-batter-who-should-be-dropped-for-2nd-test-432739"><strong>He should make way for Kohli: Ex all-rounder names senior batter who should be dropped for 2nd Test</strong></a></p>

<p>Given that spinners have been the go-to-bowlers, India is likely to retain R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. On the other hand, they are most likely to again go ahead with two pacers, hence, the axe will fall on one of the batters. Given that Mayank returned with scores of 13 and 17 in the series opener, the right-hander might lose his spot whereas Saha can be an interesting choice as a makeshift opener.</p>


India and New Zealand were involved in a thrilling first Test at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, Ajinkya Rahane-led India posted 345 all-out whereas New Zealand were bundled out for 296 in their first essay.

India and New Zealand were involved in a thrilling first Test at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, Ajinkya Rahane-led India posted 345 all-out whereas New Zealand were bundled out for 296 in their first essay. In their second innings, India declared at 234-7, giving the Kiwis a stiff 284-run target. Riding on Tom Latham's 52 and Rachin Ravindra's 18 not out, off 91 balls, the visitors ensured a draw in the last half hour of Day Five. Ahead of the second and final Test, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India have some selection issues to address. With regular captain Virat Kohli set to return for the series finale, on December 3, the Rahul Dravid-led think tank will have to drop a batter from the top or the middle-order. In this regard, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has suggested an 'out-of-the-box' name who can accompany Shubman Gill at the order, if Mayank Agarwal is dropped. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham stand tall as visitors earn a draw vs Rahane & Co. “It’s a toss-up between Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane. I would think on those two. That’s the toss-up that Virat Kohli has to make. Whether he wants to go with Mayank Agarwal and give him another go or whether [he thinks] Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t got enough runs in the last 10-12 Test matches after that Melbourne Test so he goes out. It’s a tough call, definitely a tough call. It depends on whom the sword falls on,” said Wasim Jaffer in a chat with ESPNCricinfo. “I think I will open with Saha if at all Mayank Agarwal goes out because then everybody bats out of their position. Pujara will open and then Ajinkya Rahane will bat at some other position… If Saha opens then everyone bats at the same position. And you can do that in Indian conditions with Saha. Is it a long-term call? Definitely not because India will go to South Africa. So, they’ll have to reconsider their top-six for Mumbai,” concluded the meme-specialist. ALSO READ | He should make way for Kohli: Ex all-rounder names senior batter who should be dropped for 2nd Test Given that spinners have been the go-to-bowlers, India is likely to retain R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. On the other hand, they are most likely to again go ahead with two pacers, hence, the axe will fall on one of the batters. Given that Mayank returned with scores of 13 and 17 in the series opener, the right-hander might lose his spot whereas Saha can be an interesting choice as a makeshift opener.

IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer shares an 'out-of-the-box' suggestion on who could open with Shubman Gill in 2nd Test

<p>New Zealand managed to survive by the barest of margins on the last day of the first Test against India after a gritty performance from their lower-order batters insured that visitors walked away with a draw here at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday. Team India managed to take eight wickets on Day 5 of the ongoing first Test but some late drama and stout-hearted performance from visitors` batters clawed back victory from the jaws of hosts. Ravindra Jadeja scalped four wickets in the second innings while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin returned with three.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-make-way-for-kohli-ex-all-rounder-names-senior-batter-who-should-be-dropped-for-2nd-test-432739"><strong>He should make way for Kohli: Ex all-rounder names senior batter who should be dropped for 2nd Test</strong></a></p>

<p>Resuming the final session at 125/4, Indian bowlers clawed further deep as Axar Patel had Henry Nicholls adjudged LBW. Then after five overs, Ravindra Jadeja got the all-important wicket of Kane Williamson. The NZ skipper decided to go back and the ball skid on to trap him plumb in front. He departed for 24 off 112.In the 79th over, Tom Blundell was bowled round his legs by Ashwin. India took the second new ball in the 84th over as the match reached the endgame. With the light fading and time running out for the hosts, Ravindra Jadeja struck in quick succession to send Kylie Jamieson and Tim Southee back into the dugout. One wicket short, Indian bowlers threw everything at the batters on the pitch, Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kanpur-test-ashwin-becomes-indias-3rd-highest-wicket-taker-in-purest-format-surpasses-harbhajan-432727"><strong>Kanpur Test: Ashwin becomes India's 3rd-highest wicket-taker in purest format, surpasses Harbhajan</strong></a></p>

<p>But Rachin who played 91 balls in the second innings ensured his side walked away with a draw. Earlier, Team India managed to take three wickets in the second session on Day 5 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand here at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday. At the tea break, New Zealand`s score read 125/4. Will Somerville (36) was sent back to the pavilion by Umesh Yadav in the 36th over of the innings and this brought skipper Kane Williamson to the middle. Latham however marched on and he brought up his half-century in the 51st over of the innings. Latham (52) was bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 55th over and as a result, the off-spinner went past Harbhajan Singh`s tally of 417 Test wickets. Ross Taylor (2) also failed to score big, and New Zealand was quickly reduced to 125/4.</p>

<p><strong>Brief Scores: India</strong> 345 and 234/7d; <strong>New Zealand</strong> 296 and 165/9 (Tom Latham 52, Will Somerville 36, Ravindra Jadeja 4-40).&nbsp;</p>


New Zealand managed to survive by the barest of margins on the last day of the first Test against India after a gritty performance from their lower-order batters insured that visitors walked away with a draw here at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday.

New Zealand managed to survive by the barest of margins on the last day of the first Test against India after a gritty performance from their lower-order batters insured that visitors walked away with a draw here at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday. Team India managed to take eight wickets on Day 5 of the ongoing first Test but some late drama and stout-hearted performance from visitors` batters clawed back victory from the jaws of hosts. Ravindra Jadeja scalped four wickets in the second innings while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin returned with three. ALSO READ | He should make way for Kohli: Ex all-rounder names senior batter who should be dropped for 2nd Test Resuming the final session at 125/4, Indian bowlers clawed further deep as Axar Patel had Henry Nicholls adjudged LBW. Then after five overs, Ravindra Jadeja got the all-important wicket of Kane Williamson. The NZ skipper decided to go back and the ball skid on to trap him plumb in front. He departed for 24 off 112.In the 79th over, Tom Blundell was bowled round his legs by Ashwin. India took the second new ball in the 84th over as the match reached the endgame. With the light fading and time running out for the hosts, Ravindra Jadeja struck in quick succession to send Kylie Jamieson and Tim Southee back into the dugout. One wicket short, Indian bowlers threw everything at the batters on the pitch, Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel. ALSO READ | Kanpur Test: Ashwin becomes India's 3rd-highest wicket-taker in purest format, surpasses Harbhajan But Rachin who played 91 balls in the second innings ensured his side walked away with a draw. Earlier, Team India managed to take three wickets in the second session on Day 5 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand here at Green Park, Kanpur on Monday. At the tea break, New Zealand`s score read 125/4. Will Somerville (36) was sent back to the pavilion by Umesh Yadav in the 36th over of the innings and this brought skipper Kane Williamson to the middle. Latham however marched on and he brought up his half-century in the 51st over of the innings. Latham (52) was bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 55th over and as a result, the off-spinner went past Harbhajan Singh`s tally of 417 Test wickets. Ross Taylor (2) also failed to score big, and New Zealand was quickly reduced to 125/4. Brief Scores: India 345 and 234/7d; New Zealand 296 and 165/9 (Tom Latham 52, Will Somerville 36, Ravindra Jadeja 4-40).

IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham stand tall as visitors earn a draw vs Rahane & Co.

<p>Virat Kohli was rested for the three T20Is between India and New Zealand and also remained out of action for the two-match Test series opener, at Kanpur. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old is gearing up to return to action on the 22-yard cricket strip for the second and final Test versus the Black Caps, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3.</p>

<p>With Kohli set to return and walk into the playing XI, India will have selection issues as the Rahul Dravid-led team management will have to drop someone from the top or middle order. Given that Mayank Agarwal might be dropped, following his low returns in the Kanpur Test, it will also lead to changes in the opening pair. If they consider a batter to be dropped from No. 3 to 7, the onus will fall on Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja. While Pujara and Rahane are the senior pros, the duo have disappointed for long with the bat. On the other hand, Iyer and Jadeja's returns with the bat in the series opener cannot be easily overlooked.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kanpur-test-ashwin-becomes-indias-3rd-highest-wicket-taker-in-purest-format-surpasses-harbhajan-432727"><strong>Kanpur Test: Ashwin becomes India's 3rd-highest wicket-taker in purest format, surpasses Harbhajan</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on the YouTube channel&nbsp;<em>Khelneeti</em>, former Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chopra talked about Rahane's dreadful run in the whites and called for his omission, with Kohli replacing him in the series finale. The cricketer-turned-commentator Chopra opined that the Indian think tank should drop Rahane rather than Mayank. "Instead of dropping Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane should make way for Virat Kohli. Rahane doesn't have a great average and it shows his struggles in recent years," Chopra said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added, "Youngsters should be given a chance to play in India. It is important to give them confidence ahead of an overseas tour. If you are looking to drop Agarwal, then I'd rather pick Suryakumar Yadav for the Mumbai Test."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-reveals-advice-from-head-coach-rahul-dravid-after-dream-test-debut-against-new-zealand-432591"><strong>Shreyas Iyer reveals advice from head coach Rahul Dravid after dream Test debut against New Zealand</strong></a></p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if who will make way for regular captain Kohli for the second and final Test in Mumbai. While Rahane's form has been poor for quite sometime, he remains Kohli's deputy in whites. Though he had an ordinary run in the series opener, Rahane led India reasonably well in the Kanpur Test, which ended in a draw with India needing one more wicket to win the contest.</p>


Virat Kohli was rested for the three T20Is between India and New Zealand and also remained out of action for the two-match Test series opener, at Kanpur. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old is gearing up to return to action on the 22-yard cricket strip for the second and final Test versus the Black Caps, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3.

Virat Kohli was rested for the three T20Is between India and New Zealand and also remained out of action for the two-match Test series opener, at Kanpur. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old is gearing up to return to action on the 22-yard cricket strip for the second and final Test versus the Black Caps, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3. With Kohli set to return and walk into the playing XI, India will have selection issues as the Rahul Dravid-led team management will have to drop someone from the top or middle order. Given that Mayank Agarwal might be dropped, following his low returns in the Kanpur Test, it will also lead to changes in the opening pair. If they consider a batter to be dropped from No. 3 to 7, the onus will fall on Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja. While Pujara and Rahane are the senior pros, the duo have disappointed for long with the bat. On the other hand, Iyer and Jadeja's returns with the bat in the series opener cannot be easily overlooked. ALSO READ | Kanpur Test: Ashwin becomes India's 3rd-highest wicket-taker in purest format, surpasses Harbhajan Speaking on the YouTube channel Khelneeti, former Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chopra talked about Rahane's dreadful run in the whites and called for his omission, with Kohli replacing him in the series finale. The cricketer-turned-commentator Chopra opined that the Indian think tank should drop Rahane rather than Mayank. "Instead of dropping Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane should make way for Virat Kohli. Rahane doesn't have a great average and it shows his struggles in recent years," Chopra said. He also added, "Youngsters should be given a chance to play in India. It is important to give them confidence ahead of an overseas tour. If you are looking to drop Agarwal, then I'd rather pick Suryakumar Yadav for the Mumbai Test." ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer reveals advice from head coach Rahul Dravid after dream Test debut against New Zealand It will be interesting to see if who will make way for regular captain Kohli for the second and final Test in Mumbai. While Rahane's form has been poor for quite sometime, he remains Kohli's deputy in whites. Though he had an ordinary run in the series opener, Rahane led India reasonably well in the Kanpur Test, which ended in a draw with India needing one more wicket to win the contest.

He should make way for Kohli: Ex all-rounder names senior batter who should be dropped for 2nd Test

<p>R Ashwin dismissed the well-set batter Tom Latham, for 52, on Day 5 of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Kanpur. Latham, who missed out on a well-deserved century in the first innings, was standing tall in the middle -- with visitors chasing 284 on the final day -- before he tried to cut but played it down to hit the stumps. With Latham's dismissal, Ajinkya Rahane &amp; Co. not only moved closer to a win in the series opener, but Ashwin also achieved a big feat under his belt.</p>

<p>Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, moved past veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's wicket-tally (417) in the format to become the third-highest wicket-taker for the country in the purest format. <strong>The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows:</strong></p>

<p>Anil Kumble - 619</p>

<p>Kapil Dev - 434</p>

<p><strong>R Ashwin - 418*</strong></p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh - 417</p>

<p>Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-reveals-advice-from-head-coach-rahul-dravid-after-dream-test-debut-against-new-zealand-432591"><strong>Shreyas Iyer reveals advice from head coach Rahul Dravid after dream Test debut against New Zealand</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about Ashwin's career, the wily off-spinner has so far accounted for 30 five-fers and 7 ten-wicket hauls in the purest format. The 35-year-old has 291 wickets at home, 123 scalps in away Tests whereas also has 4 victims in neutral venues. The spinner has been most dominant while playing at home but has also enjoyed success in Sri Lanka and West Indies. In India's recent assignments in SENA countries, Ashwin has remained economical and had some success in England and Australia. For the unversed, he was India's second-highest wicket-taker in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-will-do-kapil-dev-makes-bold-claim-on-team-indias-head-coach-rahul-dravid-432134"><strong>'He will do....' - Kapil Dev makes bold claim on Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid</strong></a></p>

<p>Ashwin will aim to cross former Indian captain Kapil Dev's tally in the upcoming Tests. However, it will be a herculean task for him to surpass Kumble, given the off-spinner is already in the mid-30s. Irrespective of wherever he finishes in the list of most Test wickets for India, Ashwin is sure to sign off as one of the best Indian bowlers especially in the red-ball format.</p>


R Ashwin dismissed the well-set batter Tom Latham, for 52, on Day 5 of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Kanpur. Latham, who missed out on a well-deserved century in the first innings, was standing tall in the middle -- with visitors chasing 284 on the final day -- before he tried to cut but played it down to hit the stumps.

R Ashwin dismissed the well-set batter Tom Latham, for 52, on Day 5 of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Kanpur. Latham, who missed out on a well-deserved century in the first innings, was standing tall in the middle -- with visitors chasing 284 on the final day -- before he tried to cut but played it down to hit the stumps. With Latham's dismissal, Ajinkya Rahane & Co. not only moved closer to a win in the series opener, but Ashwin also achieved a big feat under his belt. Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, moved past veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh's wicket-tally (417) in the format to become the third-highest wicket-taker for the country in the purest format. The top-five wicket-takers for India in Tests are as follows: Anil Kumble - 619 Kapil Dev - 434 R Ashwin - 418* Harbhajan Singh - 417 Zaheer Khan/Ishant Sharma - 311 ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer reveals advice from head coach Rahul Dravid after dream Test debut against New Zealand Talking about Ashwin's career, the wily off-spinner has so far accounted for 30 five-fers and 7 ten-wicket hauls in the purest format. The 35-year-old has 291 wickets at home, 123 scalps in away Tests whereas also has 4 victims in neutral venues. The spinner has been most dominant while playing at home but has also enjoyed success in Sri Lanka and West Indies. In India's recent assignments in SENA countries, Ashwin has remained economical and had some success in England and Australia. For the unversed, he was India's second-highest wicket-taker in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. ALSO READ | 'He will do....' - Kapil Dev makes bold claim on Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid Ashwin will aim to cross former Indian captain Kapil Dev's tally in the upcoming Tests. However, it will be a herculean task for him to surpass Kumble, given the off-spinner is already in the mid-30s. Irrespective of wherever he finishes in the list of most Test wickets for India, Ashwin is sure to sign off as one of the best Indian bowlers especially in the red-ball format.

Kanpur Test: Ashwin becomes India's 3rd-highest wicket-taker in purest format, surpasses Harbhajan

<p>Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the action began on Day Two, Iyer was on fire and dealt in boundaries to get closer to his maiden three-figure mark in whites. Despite losing his overnight partner Ravindra Jadeja (50), Iyer looked at his usual best and got to his maiden hundred with wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha at the other end.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-vvs-laxman-unimpressed-with-ajinkya-rahanes-shot-selection-after-day-1-of-kanpur-test-431926">Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test</a></strong></p>

<p>By registering his maiden ton on debut, Iyer joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have achieved the same feat in their first outing in whites. Here's the list (including players with debut tons in home Tests):</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The latest addition into the Centuries on debut for India club - <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> 👌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/r9yl1kFjQa">pic.twitter.com/r9yl1kFjQa</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1464094358014025729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-auction-delhi-capitals-to-release-shreyas-iyer-as-list-of-players-to-be-retained-released-report-431983"><strong>IPL 2022 auction: Delhi Capitals to release Shreyas Iyer as list of players to be retained released - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Overall, Iyer became the 16th Indian to slam a hundred on debut (Virender Sehwag, Pravin Amre, Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina, etc. achieved the same on debut but in away Tests). Some other big names from the overall list includes&nbsp;Gundappa Viswanath, Lala Amarnath, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammad Azharuddin, Prithvi Shaw and the likes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After reaching his ton, the right-hander was determined to score a daddy hundred, however, he fell to Tim Southee for 105 (laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes at a strike-rate of 61.40). Nonetheless, he impressed one and all and has made a strong case for retaining his spot for the second and final Test, in Mumbai from December 3. While the big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the series finale, Iyer might hold onto his spot in the playing XI after his recent heroics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At lunch, India were 339-8 with R Ashwin nearing his half-century. The Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to near the 375-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur.</p>


Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed.

Shreyas Iyer made heads turn on his Test debut during Day One of the Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, on Thursday (November 25). Taking India to 258-4 at stumps, Iyer was unbeaten on 75 and looked comfortable as his innings progressed. As soon as the action began on Day Two, Iyer was on fire and dealt in boundaries to get closer to his maiden three-figure mark in whites. Despite losing his overnight partner Ravindra Jadeja (50), Iyer looked at his usual best and got to his maiden hundred with wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha at the other end. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test By registering his maiden ton on debut, Iyer joined an elite list of Indian cricketers to have achieved the same feat in their first outing in whites. Here's the list (including players with debut tons in home Tests): The latest addition into the Centuries on debut for India club - @ShreyasIyer15 👌#TeamIndia #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/r9yl1kFjQa — BCCI (@BCCI) November 26, 2021 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022 auction: Delhi Capitals to release Shreyas Iyer as list of players to be retained released - Report Overall, Iyer became the 16th Indian to slam a hundred on debut (Virender Sehwag, Pravin Amre, Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina, etc. achieved the same on debut but in away Tests). Some other big names from the overall list includes Gundappa Viswanath, Lala Amarnath, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammad Azharuddin, Prithvi Shaw and the likes. After reaching his ton, the right-hander was determined to score a daddy hundred, however, he fell to Tim Southee for 105 (laced with 13 fours and 2 sixes at a strike-rate of 61.40). Nonetheless, he impressed one and all and has made a strong case for retaining his spot for the second and final Test, in Mumbai from December 3. While the big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the series finale, Iyer might hold onto his spot in the playing XI after his recent heroics. At lunch, India were 339-8 with R Ashwin nearing his half-century. The Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to near the 375-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the series opener at Green Park, Kanpur.

Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer slams ton on debut, joins Rohit, Azharuddin and other Indians in elite list

<p>Shubman Gill missed the entire England Test series due to injury. However, he got the opening position back when Ajinkya Rahane-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the two-match Test series opener at Green Park, Kanpur on Thursday morning (November 25).</p>

<p>All eyes were on Gill who was making a comeback after injury. Nonetheless, the youngster didn't disappoint and took sometime before settling in to register&nbsp;his third Test half-century. While he was looking comfortable in the middle as his innings progressed, the 22-year-old departed for a well-made 52. After his knock, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra made heads turn by stating that he doesn't seem convinced with Gill as an opener.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-shreyas-iyer-slams-ton-on-debut-joins-rohit-azharuddin-and-other-indians-in-elite-list-432020"><strong>Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer slams ton on debut, joins Rohit, Azharuddin and other Indians in elite list</strong></a></p>

<p>Chopra made the comments while speaking on&nbsp;<i>Star Sports</i>, where he highlighted the flaws in Gill's technique despite his fifty in the opening day of the Kanpur Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chopra stated, "Whenever I see him play, he doesn't look like a Test opener to me. The way he plays inside the line, the outside edge and inside edge are both exposed. But when he plays spin, he is tall and uses his feet well, uses the reach very well, his footwork is impeccable and his defense is also solid. The bat is always in front of the pad," the former Test player added. "In my opinion, he is a middle-order batter, he has been made to open. He has done well as an opener but his true color and form will be seen when he bats in the middle order."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-vvs-laxman-unimpressed-with-ajinkya-rahanes-shot-selection-after-day-1-of-kanpur-test-431926"><strong>Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test</strong></a></p>

<p>Riding on Gill's 52, Shreyas Iyer's maiden ton and Ravindra Jadeja's 50, on debut, Ajinkya Rahane-led India posted 345 all-out in the first innings on Day 2, after electing to bat first. In reply, Kane Williamson-led NZ have started on a good note and will look to come close to India's total by the end of second day's play on Friday (November 26).</p>


Shubman Gill missed the entire England Test series due to injury. However, he got the opening position back when Ajinkya Rahane-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the two-match Test series opener at Green Park, Kanpur on Thursday morning (November 25).

Shubman Gill missed the entire England Test series due to injury. However, he got the opening position back when Ajinkya Rahane-led India locked horns with New Zealand in the two-match Test series opener at Green Park, Kanpur on Thursday morning (November 25). All eyes were on Gill who was making a comeback after injury. Nonetheless, the youngster didn't disappoint and took sometime before settling in to register his third Test half-century. While he was looking comfortable in the middle as his innings progressed, the 22-year-old departed for a well-made 52. After his knock, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra made heads turn by stating that he doesn't seem convinced with Gill as an opener. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer slams ton on debut, joins Rohit, Azharuddin and other Indians in elite list Chopra made the comments while speaking on Star Sports, where he highlighted the flaws in Gill's technique despite his fifty in the opening day of the Kanpur Test. Chopra stated, "Whenever I see him play, he doesn't look like a Test opener to me. The way he plays inside the line, the outside edge and inside edge are both exposed. But when he plays spin, he is tall and uses his feet well, uses the reach very well, his footwork is impeccable and his defense is also solid. The bat is always in front of the pad," the former Test player added. "In my opinion, he is a middle-order batter, he has been made to open. He has done well as an opener but his true color and form will be seen when he bats in the middle order." ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman unimpressed with Ajinkya Rahane's shot selection after Day 1 of Kanpur Test Riding on Gill's 52, Shreyas Iyer's maiden ton and Ravindra Jadeja's 50, on debut, Ajinkya Rahane-led India posted 345 all-out in the first innings on Day 2, after electing to bat first. In reply, Kane Williamson-led NZ have started on a good note and will look to come close to India's total by the end of second day's play on Friday (November 26).

IND vs NZ: 'He doesn't look like an opener' - Aakash Chopra shares ideal batting position for Shubman Gill

<p>After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25).</p>

<p>As soon as the Indian team started their two-match Test series opener versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps, former Indian opener-turned-meme specialist Wasim Jaffer won the internet with an epic post.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/viral-team-india-coach-rahul-dravid-resorts-to-off-spin-in-nets-ahead-of-1st-test-vs-nz-watch-431663"><strong>VIRAL: Team India coach Rahul Dravid resorts to off-spin in nets ahead of 1st Test vs NZ - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Jaffer captioned the post, "Watching Test cricket after few months of T20 cricket feels the same as eating maa ke haath ka khana (eating home-cooked food by mother) after few months away from home."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr25eAtIXA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr25eAtIXA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr25eAtIXA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWr25eAtIXA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Wasim Jaffer (@wasimjaffer14)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-axar-and-jadeja-are-in-the-same-league-says-former-pakistan-cricketer-431755">'Don't think Axar and Jadeja are in the same league,' says former Pakistan cricketer</a></strong></p>

<p>Test cricket has returned after a few months' halt. The IPL 14's final leg, in the UAE, was followed by the seventh edition of the T20 WC, from mid-September to November. Now, the longest format has come back into the fore with plenty of Test matches lined-up in the coming weeks. While India-New Zealand are involved in a Test series in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also engaged in a two-match Test series versus West Indies and Pakistan, respectively, in their own backyards. On the other hand, the Ashes 2021 is set to commence in Australia from December 8.</p>

<p>Talking about the India-NZ first Test, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first. At lunch, India are well-placed at 82&nbsp;for 1 with opener Shubman Gill unbeaten on 52. The hosts will look to post a big score and challenge the Kiwi line-up in Green Park, Kanpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25).

After a gruelling T20 season, with IPL 2021's final leg followed by T20 World Cup in the UAE, Test cricket has now returned for the cricket lovers worldwide. While Sri Lanka-West Indies are involved in a Test series in the island nation, Team India have also kicked off their Test season with the first Test versus New Zealand underway in Kanpur on Thursday (November 25). As soon as the Indian team started their two-match Test series opener versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps, former Indian opener-turned-meme specialist Wasim Jaffer won the internet with an epic post. ALSO READ | VIRAL: Team India coach Rahul Dravid resorts to off-spin in nets ahead of 1st Test vs NZ - WATCH Jaffer captioned the post, "Watching Test cricket after few months of T20 cricket feels the same as eating maa ke haath ka khana (eating home-cooked food by mother) after few months away from home." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wasim Jaffer (@wasimjaffer14) × ALSO READ | 'Don't think Axar and Jadeja are in the same league,' says former Pakistan cricketer Test cricket has returned after a few months' halt. The IPL 14's final leg, in the UAE, was followed by the seventh edition of the T20 WC, from mid-September to November. Now, the longest format has come back into the fore with plenty of Test matches lined-up in the coming weeks. While India-New Zealand are involved in a Test series in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also engaged in a two-match Test series versus West Indies and Pakistan, respectively, in their own backyards. On the other hand, the Ashes 2021 is set to commence in Australia from December 8. Talking about the India-NZ first Test, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first. At lunch, India are well-placed at 82 for 1 with opener Shubman Gill unbeaten on 52. The hosts will look to post a big score and challenge the Kiwi line-up in Green Park, Kanpur.

Ind vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer wins the internet with epic post as Test cricket returns after IPL 2021, T20 WC

<p>India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the two-match Test series opener on Thursday morning (November 25) at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, the Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts went to the lunch break at 82/1, riding on opener Shubman Gill's 52, and ended the day's play at a comfortable position, i.e. being 258-4 courtesy debutant Shreyas Iyer (75 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja's 50*.</p>

<p>With many regulars such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul (out due to injury) being out of action, the onus was on the youngsters -- such as Gill, Iyer, Mohammed Siraj -- to grab their opportunities. Day One of the opening Test was all about Iyer and Gill's commitment to bat for a long period and make a mark. While Siraj wasn't in the playing XI, Gill failed to stay for long but slammed an impressive fifty whereas Iyer returned to the pavillion being unbeaten on 75.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-gears-up-for-2nd-test-vs-nz-in-mumbai-trains-with-rcb-coach-sanjay-bangar-431845"><strong>Virat Kohli gears up for 2nd Test vs NZ in Mumbai, trains with RCB coach Sanjay Bangar</strong></a></p>

<p>The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on Indian youngster Gill and feels he will be a vital cog for India while touring abroad. During the lunch break, he told on Star Sports, "I really hope and feel that this guy will go on to have a really good career, especially in Test cricket because I think he can be very vital especially if we keep touring abroad. He has got outstanding backfoot game with his initial movement."</p>

<p>"He is a young guy and he is very talented when it comes to batting. He is trying to figure how to actually correct whatever little technical flaw he has, especially against the fuller delivery. He is coming down the pitch against the fast bowlers and I'm really impressed with the way he is playing against the spinners. He is playing the ball late," added Pathan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-shreyas-iyer-ravindra-jadejas-113-run-stand-takes-hosts-to-2584-at-stumps-on-day-1-431879"><strong>IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja's 113-run stand takes hosts to 258/4 at stumps on Day 1</strong></a></p>

<p>Apart from Gill and Iyer, all-rounder Jadeja also made a statement by registering his 17th half-century in whites and taking India out of troubled waters, along with Iyer, after coming out to bat with hosts reeling at 145-4 in the second session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kohli-less Indian team will aim to cross the 400-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the first Test.</p>


India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the two-match Test series opener on Thursday morning (November 25) at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, the Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts went to the lunch break at 82/1, riding on opener Shubman Gill's 52, and ended the day's play at a comfortable position, i.

India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the two-match Test series opener on Thursday morning (November 25) at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. Electing to bat first, the Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts went to the lunch break at 82/1, riding on opener Shubman Gill's 52, and ended the day's play at a comfortable position, i.e. being 258-4 courtesy debutant Shreyas Iyer (75 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja's 50*. With many regulars such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul (out due to injury) being out of action, the onus was on the youngsters -- such as Gill, Iyer, Mohammed Siraj -- to grab their opportunities. Day One of the opening Test was all about Iyer and Gill's commitment to bat for a long period and make a mark. While Siraj wasn't in the playing XI, Gill failed to stay for long but slammed an impressive fifty whereas Iyer returned to the pavillion being unbeaten on 75. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli gears up for 2nd Test vs NZ in Mumbai, trains with RCB coach Sanjay Bangar The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on Indian youngster Gill and feels he will be a vital cog for India while touring abroad. During the lunch break, he told on Star Sports, "I really hope and feel that this guy will go on to have a really good career, especially in Test cricket because I think he can be very vital especially if we keep touring abroad. He has got outstanding backfoot game with his initial movement." "He is a young guy and he is very talented when it comes to batting. He is trying to figure how to actually correct whatever little technical flaw he has, especially against the fuller delivery. He is coming down the pitch against the fast bowlers and I'm really impressed with the way he is playing against the spinners. He is playing the ball late," added Pathan. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 1st Test: Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja's 113-run stand takes hosts to 258/4 at stumps on Day 1 Apart from Gill and Iyer, all-rounder Jadeja also made a statement by registering his 17th half-century in whites and taking India out of troubled waters, along with Iyer, after coming out to bat with hosts reeling at 145-4 in the second session. The Kohli-less Indian team will aim to cross the 400-run mark and challenge the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps in the first Test.

Gill, Iyer or Siraj? Irfan Pathan names 'vital' cog for Team India while playing overseas Tests

<p>Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side&nbsp;for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE.</p>

<p>Thus, he was rested for the home T20Is between India and New Zealand. The 33-year-old Kohli is also not part of India's squad for the two-match Test series opener versus the Black Caps but will return for the second and final Test, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ahead of the series finale, Kohli has started gearing up for the Mumbai Test and was seen sweating it out at the nets with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-very-well-deserved-ponting-shares-heartfelt-post-for-debutant-shreyas-iyer-431831"><strong>Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: 'Very well deserved' - Ponting shares heartfelt post for debutant Shreyas Iyer</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli with Sanjay Bangar this morning <a href="https://t.co/qWt9oWuYAK">pic.twitter.com/qWt9oWuYAK</a></p>
— Gaurav🕊️ (@Kohli4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kohli4ever/status/1463738111075110915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-ashwin-on-verge-of-surpassing-harbhajan-in-elite-list-during-series-opener-in-kanpur-431781"><strong>Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur</strong></a></p>

<p>In Kohli's absence, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the side in the series opener at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. India have opted to bat first and are well-placed courtesy half-centuries from debutant Shreyas Iyer and opener Shubman Gill on Day One of the Kanpur Test. Rahane &amp; Co. will look to post anything over 400 and challenge the visitors.</p>

<p>The second Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.</p>


Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE.

Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE. Thus, he was rested for the home T20Is between India and New Zealand. The 33-year-old Kohli is also not part of India's squad for the two-match Test series opener versus the Black Caps but will return for the second and final Test, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ahead of the series finale, Kohli has started gearing up for the Mumbai Test and was seen sweating it out at the nets with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: 'Very well deserved' - Ponting shares heartfelt post for debutant Shreyas Iyer Virat Kohli with Sanjay Bangar this morning pic.twitter.com/qWt9oWuYAK — Gaurav🕊️ (@Kohli4ever) November 25, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur In Kohli's absence, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the side in the series opener at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. India have opted to bat first and are well-placed courtesy half-centuries from debutant Shreyas Iyer and opener Shubman Gill on Day One of the Kanpur Test. Rahane & Co. will look to post anything over 400 and challenge the visitors. The second Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli gears up for 2nd Test vs NZ in Mumbai, trains with RCB coach Sanjay Bangar

<p>Shreyas Iyer became India's 303rd Test cricketer on Thursday morning (November 25) as he received the elusive cap from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar ahead of the commencement of the first Test between India and New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer was a big name in domestic circuit before he made his India debut in the limited-overs format in 2017. While Iyer has been in the scheme of things for Team India in the shorter formats following the 2019 ODI World Cup, the right-hander had to wait for a long period to get a look-in the Test line-up. With many regulars such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. being rested for the New Zealand Test series opener, Iyer got a chance to make his debut as soon as KL Rahul got ruled out due to injury on Tuesday (November 23).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-wasim-jaffer-wins-the-internet-with-epic-post-as-test-cricket-returns-after-ipl-2021-t20-wc-431773">Ind vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer wins the internet with epic post as Test cricket returns after IPL 2021, T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>With Iyer getting his Test cap, his Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting shared a heartfelt post for the Indian middle-order batsman on Twitter. He wrote, "Having seen all the work you've put in over the last few years, very well deserved and only the beginning for you mate. Proud of you&nbsp;<br />
@ShreyasIyer15"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Having seen all the work you've put in over the last few years, very well deserved and only the beginning for you mate. Proud of you <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Tnb3xZNXhX">https://t.co/Tnb3xZNXhX</a></p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1463721982483001354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-ashwin-on-verge-of-surpassing-harbhajan-in-elite-list-during-series-opener-in-kanpur-431781"><strong>Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur</strong></a></p>

<p>Winning the toss, Ajinkya Rahane-led India decided to bat first in Green Park, Kanpur. Riding on Shubman Gill's 52, India started off nicely but lost four wickets heading into the tea break. Debutant Iyer has looked good and will aim to register a daddy hundred on his debut innings in the purest format.</p>

<p>With India set to see the return of their regular batters in the second and final Test, Iyer will hope to make heads turn and retain his spot for the series decider, to be held in Mumbai from December 3.</p>


Shreyas Iyer became India's 303rd Test cricketer on Thursday morning (November 25) as he received the elusive cap from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar ahead of the commencement of the first Test between India and New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer became India's 303rd Test cricketer on Thursday morning (November 25) as he received the elusive cap from legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar ahead of the commencement of the first Test between India and New Zealand. Iyer was a big name in domestic circuit before he made his India debut in the limited-overs format in 2017. While Iyer has been in the scheme of things for Team India in the shorter formats following the 2019 ODI World Cup, the right-hander had to wait for a long period to get a look-in the Test line-up. With many regulars such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. being rested for the New Zealand Test series opener, Iyer got a chance to make his debut as soon as KL Rahul got ruled out due to injury on Tuesday (November 23). ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer wins the internet with epic post as Test cricket returns after IPL 2021, T20 WC With Iyer getting his Test cap, his Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting shared a heartfelt post for the Indian middle-order batsman on Twitter. He wrote, "Having seen all the work you've put in over the last few years, very well deserved and only the beginning for you mate. Proud of you @ShreyasIyer15" Having seen all the work you've put in over the last few years, very well deserved and only the beginning for you mate. Proud of you @ShreyasIyer15. https://t.co/Tnb3xZNXhX — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) November 25, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur Winning the toss, Ajinkya Rahane-led India decided to bat first in Green Park, Kanpur. Riding on Shubman Gill's 52, India started off nicely but lost four wickets heading into the tea break. Debutant Iyer has looked good and will aim to register a daddy hundred on his debut innings in the purest format. With India set to see the return of their regular batters in the second and final Test, Iyer will hope to make heads turn and retain his spot for the series decider, to be held in Mumbai from December 3.

Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: 'Very well deserved' - Ponting shares heartfelt post for debutant Shreyas Iyer

<p>New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson feels that playing Test cricket in India will be a different challenge, considering he is touring the country for the first time. He added that he will seek ideas from senior pacers Neil Wagner and Tim Southee on how to bowl in Indian conditions.<br />
<br />
"I haven`t played a whole lot of cricket over here. I had the first half of the IPL which was good, but this will be different again. I`ve got Wags (Wagner) and Timmy (Southee) here, so that`ll be good to bounce ideas of them, to get their expertise on how to bowl here. It`s certainly going to be a different challenge to what we get back home but really looking forward to it," Jamieson was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pak-captain-praises-rahul-dravid-for-his-was-never-going-to-be-easy-on-nz-remark-post-t20i-series-431451"><strong>Former Pak captain praises Rahul Dravid for his 'was never going to be easy on NZ' remark post T20I series</strong></a></p>

<p>Jamieson played an instrumental role in New Zealand winning the last three Tests against India, including the World Test Championship final in Southampton in June this year. But with Southee and Wagner in the squad, he might not be a part of the playing eleven in the first Test at Green Park Stadium here on Thursday.<br />
<br />
The all-rounder, who made a blazing start to Test cricket with 46 wickets in just eight appearances at an average of 14.17, including five five-wicket hauls, is aware that playing Test cricket in India will pose a hard challenge as New Zealand begins its defence of WTC title.<br />
<br />
"It certainly feels a long time ago. No better way to start than the challenge of India in India." At the same time, he is clear about sticking to his strengths while adapting to what the conditions provide. "First and foremost I think for me it`s not trying to change my game too much -- still try and stick to my strengths but try and adapt to what the conditions give.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravids-experience-will-help-india-recover-after-wtc-final-loss-cheteshwar-pujara-431404"><strong>Rahul Dravid's experience will help India recover after WTC final loss: Cheteshwar Pujara</strong></a></p>

<p>"If I do play and get the new ball, it`s trying to swing that and as the conditions change and the roles change throughout the game, try to focus on that."<br />
<br />
The 26-year-old added that not playing a single match in the T20 World Cup helped him focus on himself. "It was good to be part of and gave me a chance to step back, with the volume of cricket I`d been playing, a chance to work on my game and get back in the gym with Chris (Donaldson, the strength and conditioning coach)."</p>


New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson feels that playing Test cricket in India will be a different challenge, considering he is touring the country for the first time.

New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson feels that playing Test cricket in India will be a different challenge, considering he is touring the country for the first time. He added that he will seek ideas from senior pacers Neil Wagner and Tim Southee on how to bowl in Indian conditions. "I haven`t played a whole lot of cricket over here. I had the first half of the IPL which was good, but this will be different again. I`ve got Wags (Wagner) and Timmy (Southee) here, so that`ll be good to bounce ideas of them, to get their expertise on how to bowl here. It`s certainly going to be a different challenge to what we get back home but really looking forward to it," Jamieson was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. ALSO READ | Former Pak captain praises Rahul Dravid for his 'was never going to be easy on NZ' remark post T20I series Jamieson played an instrumental role in New Zealand winning the last three Tests against India, including the World Test Championship final in Southampton in June this year. But with Southee and Wagner in the squad, he might not be a part of the playing eleven in the first Test at Green Park Stadium here on Thursday. The all-rounder, who made a blazing start to Test cricket with 46 wickets in just eight appearances at an average of 14.17, including five five-wicket hauls, is aware that playing Test cricket in India will pose a hard challenge as New Zealand begins its defence of WTC title. "It certainly feels a long time ago. No better way to start than the challenge of India in India." At the same time, he is clear about sticking to his strengths while adapting to what the conditions provide. "First and foremost I think for me it`s not trying to change my game too much -- still try and stick to my strengths but try and adapt to what the conditions give. ALSO READ | Rahul Dravid's experience will help India recover after WTC final loss: Cheteshwar Pujara "If I do play and get the new ball, it`s trying to swing that and as the conditions change and the roles change throughout the game, try to focus on that." The 26-year-old added that not playing a single match in the T20 World Cup helped him focus on himself. "It was good to be part of and gave me a chance to step back, with the volume of cricket I`d been playing, a chance to work on my game and get back in the gym with Chris (Donaldson, the strength and conditioning coach)."

IND v NZ, 1st Test: Going to be different challenge to what we get back home, says Kyle Jamieson

<p>Ahead of India's first Test versus New Zealand, at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, head coach Rahul Dravid bowled some off-spin at the nets. The video has gone viral in no time as it was shared of Team India's official Instagram handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dravid, who ended with 13,288&nbsp;Test runs and 10, 889 runs in ODIs, also accounted for five wickets in his entire international career, which spanned from 1996-2012. Hence, the former Indian captain rolled his arms in the nets and bowled to India's No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-will-be-great-understanding-and-irfan-pathan-confident-of-rahul-dravid-virat-kohli-partnership-431639">'There will be great understanding and...' - Irfan Pathan confident of Rahul Dravid-Virat Kohli partnership</a></strong></p>

<p>The video was shared on Indian cricket's official Instagram page with the caption, "That moment when #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid rolled his arm over in the nets."&nbsp;&nbsp;The priceless clip has soon become the talk of the town and has already garnered over 220k likes on the photo and video sharing platform. <strong>Here's the video:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWp9ip8ju4N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWp9ip8ju4N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWp9ip8ju4N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWp9ip8ju4N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-wont-be-any-unfair-treatment-harbhajan-points-out-changes-rahul-dravid-will-bring-in-team-india-431619"><strong>There won't be any unfair treatment: Harbhajan points out changes Rahul Dravid will bring in Team India</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the two-match Test series opener, Pujara opened up on having someone of the stature of Dravid as India's coach. "It will help most of the players, especially young players who have worked with Rahul bhai during U-19 and India A days. Even experienced players like us, I have played with Rahul bhai.I have worked with him during the A series, so all of us are looking forward to his guidance. The amount of experience he has as a player and coach of the team, helps," Pujara said during a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This will be India's first Test series under new coach Dravid. After whitewashing the Kiwis in the three T20Is, the Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to maintain their dominance over the Black Caps and take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series opener, at Green Park, Kanpur. The first Test begins from November 25 whereas the second and final Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.</p>


Ahead of India's first Test versus New Zealand, at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, head coach Rahul Dravid bowled some off-spin at the nets. The video has gone viral in no time as it was shared of Team India's official Instagram handle.

Ahead of India's first Test versus New Zealand, at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, head coach Rahul Dravid bowled some off-spin at the nets. The video has gone viral in no time as it was shared of Team India's official Instagram handle. Dravid, who ended with 13,288 Test runs and 10, 889 runs in ODIs, also accounted for five wickets in his entire international career, which spanned from 1996-2012. Hence, the former Indian captain rolled his arms in the nets and bowled to India's No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara. ALSO READ | 'There will be great understanding and...' - Irfan Pathan confident of Rahul Dravid-Virat Kohli partnership The video was shared on Indian cricket's official Instagram page with the caption, "That moment when #TeamIndia Head Coach Rahul Dravid rolled his arm over in the nets." The priceless clip has soon become the talk of the town and has already garnered over 220k likes on the photo and video sharing platform. Here's the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam) × ALSO READ | There won't be any unfair treatment: Harbhajan points out changes Rahul Dravid will bring in Team India Ahead of the two-match Test series opener, Pujara opened up on having someone of the stature of Dravid as India's coach. "It will help most of the players, especially young players who have worked with Rahul bhai during U-19 and India A days. Even experienced players like us, I have played with Rahul bhai.I have worked with him during the A series, so all of us are looking forward to his guidance. The amount of experience he has as a player and coach of the team, helps," Pujara said during a press conference. This will be India's first Test series under new coach Dravid. After whitewashing the Kiwis in the three T20Is, the Ajinkya Rahane-led hosts will look to maintain their dominance over the Black Caps and take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series opener, at Green Park, Kanpur. The first Test begins from November 25 whereas the second and final Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.

VIRAL: Team India coach Rahul Dravid resorts to off-spin in nets ahead of 1st Test vs NZ - WATCH

<p>After the three T20Is, the action will now move to the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand. The series opener will commence on Thursday (November 25) with Ajinkya Rahane-led India to lock horns with the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.</p>

<p>The Test series will be India's first under new head coach Rahul Dravid. While the former Indian captain had a memorable start to his stint as the head coach with a 3-0 whitewash of the Kiwis in the T20Is, he will know that it won't be a cakewalk for the home side to beat the inaugural WTC winners. While India are missing some of their regulars in the squad such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, etc., they will start as favourites due to their dominant home record but NZ have enough firepower to challenge them.</p>

<p>NZ will depend on Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls and have enough variety in their bowling line-up with Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner along with able all-rounders such as Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, etc. From India's perspective, the series opener will give a chance to the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, etc. to continue their good work and make further statement in home conditions.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-prediction-who-will-win-series-opener-between-india-and-new-zealand-in-kanpur-431566"><strong>IND vs NZ, 1st Test prediction: Who will win series opener between India and New Zealand in Kanpur?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Where is India vs New Zealand 1st Test match taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The India vs New Zealand 1st Test<strong>&nbsp;</strong>match will take place at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur.</p>

<p><strong>What time does India vs New Zealand 1st Test match begin?</strong></p>

<p>The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match begins at 9:30 PM IST on Thursday (November 25).</p>

<p><strong>How to watch live coverage of India vs New Zealand 1st Test on TV?</strong></p>

<p>The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-with-shreyas-iyer-set-to-debut-predicting-team-indias-xi-for-series-opener-in-kanpur-431578"><strong>IND vs NZ, 1st Test: With Shreyas Iyer set to debut, predicting Team India's XI for series opener in Kanpur</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>How to watch live coverage of India vs New Zealand 1st Test on the live streaming?</strong></p>

<p>The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be available to stream live on the Hotstar.</p>


After the three T20Is, the action will now move to the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand. The series opener will commence on Thursday (November 25) with Ajinkya Rahane-led India to lock horns with the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

After the three T20Is, the action will now move to the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand. The series opener will commence on Thursday (November 25) with Ajinkya Rahane-led India to lock horns with the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The Test series will be India's first under new head coach Rahul Dravid. While the former Indian captain had a memorable start to his stint as the head coach with a 3-0 whitewash of the Kiwis in the T20Is, he will know that it won't be a cakewalk for the home side to beat the inaugural WTC winners. While India are missing some of their regulars in the squad such as captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, etc., they will start as favourites due to their dominant home record but NZ have enough firepower to challenge them. NZ will depend on Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls and have enough variety in their bowling line-up with Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner along with able all-rounders such as Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, etc. From India's perspective, the series opener will give a chance to the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, etc. to continue their good work and make further statement in home conditions. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 1st Test prediction: Who will win series opener between India and New Zealand in Kanpur? Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is India vs New Zealand 1st Test match taking place? The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match will take place at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. What time does India vs New Zealand 1st Test match begin? The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match begins at 9:30 PM IST on Thursday (November 25). How to watch live coverage of India vs New Zealand 1st Test on TV? The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be aired live on Star Sports channels (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, and Star Sports 1 Kannada). ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 1st Test: With Shreyas Iyer set to debut, predicting Team India's XI for series opener in Kanpur How to watch live coverage of India vs New Zealand 1st Test on the live streaming? The India vs New Zealand 1st Test match will be available to stream live on the Hotstar.

IND vs NZ, 1st Test live streaming: When and where to watch India vs New Zealand match live online?

<p>Team India will face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the series opener of the two-match Test series at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur on Thursday (November 25). The Test series will be India's first-ever under new head coach Rahul Dravid and the national side will be eager to continue their dominant run in the purest format under the former Indian captain.</p>

<p>With the series being a part of the second cycle of the WTC, both sides have plenty to play for. For India, the hosts are without some of their big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant whereas the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, etc. will like to make the most of their opportunities with the key players rested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the experienced lot, the onus will be on stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin. Talking about the Kiwis, they are a formidable unit with Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner having ample experience. Nonetheless, they will have to adjust to the contrasting conditions and the SG ball on offer in Indian conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-prediction-who-will-win-series-opener-between-india-and-new-zealand-in-kanpur-431566"><strong>IND vs NZ, 1st Test prediction: Who will win series opener between India and New Zealand in Kanpur?</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the series opener, Rahane told at a presser on Wednesday, "Shreyas Iyer is going to make his debut." Hence, <strong>here's predicting India's line-up for the first Test in Kanpur:</strong></p>

<p>The top-order will comprise Mayank and Gill, with KL Rahul ruled out due to injury. Pujara, Shreyas Iyer and Rahane will form the middle order with Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar and Wriddhiman Saha following suit. Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav are expected to form the pace unit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-has-no-role-in-it-treasurer-arun-dhumal-reacts-as-board-faces-backlash-over-diet-plan-with-halal-meat-431468"><strong>BCCI has no role in it: Treasurer Arun Dhumal reacts as board faces backlash over diet plan with halal meat</strong></a></p>

<p>While Ishant Sharma can get the nod either ahead of Umesh or Axar, Rahul Dravid-led thinktank is very likely to go ahead with three spinners at home (sticking to their strengths). In addition, Axar's form is exemplary whereas Umesh has a good record at home and, hence, both are unlikely to be overlooked.</p>

<p><strong>Predicting India's XI for first Test vs NZ: </strong>Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara (vc), Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj</p>


Team India will face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the series opener of the two-match Test series at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur on Thursday (November 25). The Test series will be India's first-ever under new head coach Rahul Dravid and the national side will be eager to continue their dominant run in the purest format under the former Indian captain.

Team India will face Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in the series opener of the two-match Test series at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur on Thursday (November 25). The Test series will be India's first-ever under new head coach Rahul Dravid and the national side will be eager to continue their dominant run in the purest format under the former Indian captain. With the series being a part of the second cycle of the WTC, both sides have plenty to play for. For India, the hosts are without some of their big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant whereas the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, etc. will like to make the most of their opportunities with the key players rested. Among the experienced lot, the onus will be on stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin. Talking about the Kiwis, they are a formidable unit with Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Mitchell Santner having ample experience. Nonetheless, they will have to adjust to the contrasting conditions and the SG ball on offer in Indian conditions. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 1st Test prediction: Who will win series opener between India and New Zealand in Kanpur? Ahead of the series opener, Rahane told at a presser on Wednesday, "Shreyas Iyer is going to make his debut." Hence, here's predicting India's line-up for the first Test in Kanpur: The top-order will comprise Mayank and Gill, with KL Rahul ruled out due to injury. Pujara, Shreyas Iyer and Rahane will form the middle order with Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar and Wriddhiman Saha following suit. Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav are expected to form the pace unit. ALSO READ | BCCI has no role in it: Treasurer Arun Dhumal reacts as board faces backlash over diet plan with halal meat While Ishant Sharma can get the nod either ahead of Umesh or Axar, Rahul Dravid-led thinktank is very likely to go ahead with three spinners at home (sticking to their strengths). In addition, Axar's form is exemplary whereas Umesh has a good record at home and, hence, both are unlikely to be overlooked. Predicting India's XI for first Test vs NZ: Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara (vc), Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

IND vs NZ, 1st Test: With Shreyas Iyer set to debut, predicting Team India's XI for series opener in Kanpur

<p>After the three-match T20I series, the action between India and New Zealand will now move to the two-match Test series, starting from Thursday (November 25) at The Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. The series will be part of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and, hence, both sides will look to walk away with vital points.</p>

<p>For India, they are without some of their regulars in the format. The regular skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant have been rested whereas KL Rahul was ruled out of the series, on Tuesday, due to a muscle strain on his left thigh. Thus, Ajinkya Rahane will once again take over the captaincy responsibilities with Cheteshwar Pujara as his deputy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-nz-1st-test-going-to-be-different-challenge-to-what-we-get-back-home-says-kyle-jamieson-431539"><strong>IND v NZ, 1st Test: Going to be different challenge to what we get back home, says Kyle Jamieson</strong></a></p>

<p>Rahane will once again be leading a second-stringed Indian team, where the onus will be on Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer (who has been confirmed to make his debut), Wriddihman Saha, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin etc. On the other hand, New Zealand will see the return of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls&nbsp;in action whereas Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, etc. will form a formidable line-up of the Kiwis.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-ruled-out-of-nz-tests-due-to-injury-suryakumar-yadav-named-replacement-431388"><strong>KL Rahul ruled out of NZ Tests due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav named replacement</strong></a></p>

<p>The challenge for the Kiwis will be to adjust to the contrasting conditions and SG ball on offer in India. If their spinners can match the Indian spin trio -- Jadeja, Axar and Ashwin -- the match will surely go down the wire. Nonetheless, as Rahul Dravid-coached hosts haven't lost a series at home since 2012, they will still commence as overwhelming favourites.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Match prediction for 1st Test:&nbsp;</strong>There hasn't been much update regarding the nature of the surface expected in Kanpur. Nonetheless, it is expected to aid the batters before the spinners come into play from Day 3 onwards. The pacers will have to do the hard yards as the game progresses to provide breakthroughs at regular intervals. While the Indian team is without some of their star performers, Kiwis will like to make the most of their opposition's inexperience and make early inroads. However, India will still be favourites and are expected to go 1-0 up. Nonetheless, it also won't be a cakewalk for the home side versus the inaugural WTC winners.</p>


After the three-match T20I series, the action between India and New Zealand will now move to the two-match Test series, starting from Thursday (November 25) at The Green Park Stadium, Kanpur.

After the three-match T20I series, the action between India and New Zealand will now move to the two-match Test series, starting from Thursday (November 25) at The Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. The series will be part of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and, hence, both sides will look to walk away with vital points. For India, they are without some of their regulars in the format. The regular skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant have been rested whereas KL Rahul was ruled out of the series, on Tuesday, due to a muscle strain on his left thigh. Thus, Ajinkya Rahane will once again take over the captaincy responsibilities with Cheteshwar Pujara as his deputy. ALSO READ | IND v NZ, 1st Test: Going to be different challenge to what we get back home, says Kyle Jamieson Rahane will once again be leading a second-stringed Indian team, where the onus will be on Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer (who has been confirmed to make his debut), Wriddihman Saha, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin etc. On the other hand, New Zealand will see the return of Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls in action whereas Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, etc. will form a formidable line-up of the Kiwis. ALSO READ | KL Rahul ruled out of NZ Tests due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav named replacement The challenge for the Kiwis will be to adjust to the contrasting conditions and SG ball on offer in India. If their spinners can match the Indian spin trio -- Jadeja, Axar and Ashwin -- the match will surely go down the wire. Nonetheless, as Rahul Dravid-coached hosts haven't lost a series at home since 2012, they will still commence as overwhelming favourites. Match prediction for 1st Test: There hasn't been much update regarding the nature of the surface expected in Kanpur. Nonetheless, it is expected to aid the batters before the spinners come into play from Day 3 onwards. The pacers will have to do the hard yards as the game progresses to provide breakthroughs at regular intervals. While the Indian team is without some of their star performers, Kiwis will like to make the most of their opposition's inexperience and make early inroads. However, India will still be favourites and are expected to go 1-0 up. Nonetheless, it also won't be a cakewalk for the home side versus the inaugural WTC winners.

IND vs NZ, 1st Test prediction: Who will win series opener between India and New Zealand in Kanpur?

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed New Zealand 3-0 in the three T20Is. Following the T20 World Cup debacle, the Men in Blue beat the Black Caps to kick off a new era in Indian cricket. Post the T20 WC, there have been wholesome changes in the Indian cricket with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar stepping aside from their respective posts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, Rahul Dravid has stepped in as the head coach whereas Rohit took over from Virat Kohli as India's captain in the shortest format. In Dravid-Rohit's first assignment, India emerged on top of the Kiwis and whitewashed the T20 WC 2021's runners-up. However, Dravid won hearts when he recently praised the Kiwis and said that it was always going to be tough on them to prepare and fight in&nbsp;the bilateral T20Is, after getting only a three-day gap post the&nbsp;World Cup final.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-ruled-out-of-nz-tests-due-to-injury-suryakumar-yadav-named-replacement-431388"><strong>KL Rahul ruled out of NZ Tests due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav named replacement</strong></a></p>

<p>Dravid told broadcasters Star Sports after the third T20I in Kolkata, "We have to keep our feet on the ground and be realistic, especially with bigger things down the line in the next 12 months. It's not easy for New Zealand to play a World Cup final, turn up three days later, and play three games in six days. We knew it was never going to be easy on them."</p>

<p>Hence, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has lavished praise on Dravid. Speaking on his Youtube channel, Butt said, "It only reflects utmost clarity and humility. And very realistic and professional talk because India did win but the other team just came from a World Cup final and hence it is not easy to mentally prepare for another international series so fast. They (New Zealand) also lost the toss. When you play so much international cricket, there is a difference in intensity as well. So he did take all these factors into account when making that statement. Yes India tested their bench strength, there was a new captain, new coach and they managed to win. But he is keeping them in line for the hunt. The actual target is the next target which will be in the next 10 months. So this is absolutely the correct and needed approach."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-easy-for-nz-to-rahul-dravid-sympathises-with-black-caps-after-india-whitewash-t20i-series-431220">'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series</a></strong></p>

<p>Post the T20Is, India will now look to dominate the Kane Williamson-led Kiwis in the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 (Thursday) in Kanpur. The first Test will see Ajinkya Rahane lead the side whereas regular captain Virat Kohli is expected to join forces with head coach Dravid for the second and final Test, which will be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed New Zealand 3-0 in the three T20Is. Following the T20 World Cup debacle, the Men in Blue beat the Black Caps to kick off a new era in Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India thrashed New Zealand 3-0 in the three T20Is. Following the T20 World Cup debacle, the Men in Blue beat the Black Caps to kick off a new era in Indian cricket. Post the T20 WC, there have been wholesome changes in the Indian cricket with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar stepping aside from their respective posts. Hence, Rahul Dravid has stepped in as the head coach whereas Rohit took over from Virat Kohli as India's captain in the shortest format. In Dravid-Rohit's first assignment, India emerged on top of the Kiwis and whitewashed the T20 WC 2021's runners-up. However, Dravid won hearts when he recently praised the Kiwis and said that it was always going to be tough on them to prepare and fight in the bilateral T20Is, after getting only a three-day gap post the World Cup final. ALSO READ | KL Rahul ruled out of NZ Tests due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav named replacement Dravid told broadcasters Star Sports after the third T20I in Kolkata, "We have to keep our feet on the ground and be realistic, especially with bigger things down the line in the next 12 months. It's not easy for New Zealand to play a World Cup final, turn up three days later, and play three games in six days. We knew it was never going to be easy on them." Hence, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has lavished praise on Dravid. Speaking on his Youtube channel, Butt said, "It only reflects utmost clarity and humility. And very realistic and professional talk because India did win but the other team just came from a World Cup final and hence it is not easy to mentally prepare for another international series so fast. They (New Zealand) also lost the toss. When you play so much international cricket, there is a difference in intensity as well. So he did take all these factors into account when making that statement. Yes India tested their bench strength, there was a new captain, new coach and they managed to win. But he is keeping them in line for the hunt. The actual target is the next target which will be in the next 10 months. So this is absolutely the correct and needed approach." ALSO READ | 'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series Post the T20Is, India will now look to dominate the Kane Williamson-led Kiwis in the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 (Thursday) in Kanpur. The first Test will see Ajinkya Rahane lead the side whereas regular captain Virat Kohli is expected to join forces with head coach Dravid for the second and final Test, which will be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 3.

Former Pak captain praises Rahul Dravid for his 'was never going to be easy on NZ' remark post T20I series

<p>Ahead of the series opener of the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India have been dealt with a major blow. KL Rahul, who was one of their star performers with the bat in the England Tests, has been ruled out of the series due to a muscle strain&nbsp;on his left thigh.</p>

<p>Rahul, who was part of the Rohit Sharma-led squad for the three T20Is, has been in sensational form across formats for Team India. He was certain to open the innings, either with Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill, but has been ruled out of the entire series and will now look forward to grab his chances in India's forthcoming tour of South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report filed by news agency&nbsp;<em>PTI</em>, it has been learned that the stylish opener Rahul missed India's customary practice session,&nbsp;at Kanpur's Green Park stadium, on the eve of the first Test. During the net session, youngster Shubman Gill opened the batting alongside Mayank Agarwal. It looks like the two will open the innings whereas Shreyas Iyer looks certain to debut and bat in the middle-order.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-bans-pork-beef-in-any-form-halal-meat-made-complusory-for-indian-cricket-team-report-431377"><strong>BCCI bans pork, beef in any form; Halal meat made complusory for Indian cricket team - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>On the other hand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Suryakumar Yadav as Rahul's replacement. Either Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar can make their Test debut but the former has an edge as he was in the squad in the first instance itself.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEWS - Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul in India's Test squad.<br />
<br />
KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand.<br />
<br />
More details here -<a href="https://t.co/ChXVhBSb6H">https://t.co/ChXVhBSb6H</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://t.co/uZp21Ybajx">pic.twitter.com/uZp21Ybajx</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1463092894995156995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-or-gill-cheteshwar-pujara-reveals-which-indian-batter-will-be-in-playing-xi-for-1st-test-vs-nz-431379"><strong>Mayank or Gill? Cheteshwar Pujara reveals which Indian batter will be in playing XI for 1st Test vs NZ</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand</strong></p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna</p>

<p>The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are expected to return for the second and final Test, starting from December 3 in Mumbai.</p>


Ahead of the series opener of the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India have been dealt with a major blow. KL Rahul, who was one of their star performers with the bat in the England Tests, has been ruled out of the series due to a muscle strain on his left thigh.

Ahead of the series opener of the two-match Test series between India and New Zealand, the Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India have been dealt with a major blow. KL Rahul, who was one of their star performers with the bat in the England Tests, has been ruled out of the series due to a muscle strain on his left thigh. Rahul, who was part of the Rohit Sharma-led squad for the three T20Is, has been in sensational form across formats for Team India. He was certain to open the innings, either with Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill, but has been ruled out of the entire series and will now look forward to grab his chances in India's forthcoming tour of South Africa. According to a report filed by news agency PTI, it has been learned that the stylish opener Rahul missed India's customary practice session, at Kanpur's Green Park stadium, on the eve of the first Test. During the net session, youngster Shubman Gill opened the batting alongside Mayank Agarwal. It looks like the two will open the innings whereas Shreyas Iyer looks certain to debut and bat in the middle-order. ALSO READ | BCCI bans pork, beef in any form; Halal meat made complusory for Indian cricket team - Report On the other hand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Suryakumar Yadav as Rahul's replacement. Either Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar can make their Test debut but the former has an edge as he was in the squad in the first instance itself. NEWS - Suryakumar Yadav replaces KL Rahul in India's Test squad. KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand. More details here -https://t.co/ChXVhBSb6H #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/uZp21Ybajx — BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2021 × ALSO READ | Mayank or Gill? Cheteshwar Pujara reveals which Indian batter will be in playing XI for 1st Test vs NZ India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are expected to return for the second and final Test, starting from December 3 in Mumbai.

KL Rahul ruled out of NZ Tests due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav named replacement

<p>Team India demolished New Zealand in the three T20Is and have now shifted their focus on the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 in Kanpur. The series will give India a chance to not only move forward in the&nbsp;second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), but also take revenge on the Kiwis, who defeated them in the final of the inaugural WTC early this year.</p>

<p>Ahead of the first Test, Ajinkya Rahane-led India have problems of plenty as there are many takers for the opening slots. While KL Rahul is confirmed to open, following his sensational run in the England Tests, he will be accompanied by Shubman Gill or Mayank Agarwal. For the unversed, Mayank did bat in the middle-order in the final Test of the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gill is also being touted to take the middle-order responsibilities given Rohit Sharma is certain to open with Rahul on his return.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-bans-pork-beef-in-any-form-halal-meat-made-complusory-for-indian-cricket-team-report-431377"><strong>BCCI bans pork, beef in any form; Halal meat made complusory for Indian cricket team - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Before the series opener, vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara revealed who among Mayank or Gill will definitely be a part of the team. Pujara told in a virtual press conference that Gill is certain to play. He told while addressing a question, "Can’t reveal that at this stage. But see, he is a talented player and definitely he will be part of the team. So someone like him, you know he doesn’t need to worry too much, he has been playing good cricket for a couple of years since he has made his debut. It was unfortunate that he missed out on England, but he is a talented player, and I don’t think personally I will need to tell him much."</p>

<p>"Rahul bhai is there, he will give the best guidance. So I think he will just have to play his natural game. I can’t reveal the position he will bat at, but he is well prepared and I am sure he is looking forward to this series,” Pujara, who is the vice-captain for the first Test, said in response to a Sportskeeda's query during a virtual presser.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rahul-dravid-applauds-fielding-coach-after-ishan-kishans-direct-hit-dismisses-nzs-mitchell-santner-431369"><strong>WATCH: Rahul Dravid applauds fielding coach after Ishan Kishan's direct hit dismisses NZ's Mitchell Santner</strong></a></p>

<p>Given that Mayank wasn't favoured despite Gill's absence during the England Tests, the latter seems to have an upper hand over the Karnataka-born cricketer for the opening slot. It will be interesting to see if Mayank bats lower down the order in the series opener.</p>

<p><strong>India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand</strong></p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna</p>

<p>The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, etc. are likely to return for the second and final Test in Mumbai, from December 3.</p>


Team India demolished New Zealand in the three T20Is and have now shifted their focus on the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 in Kanpur. The series will give India a chance to not only move forward in the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), but also take revenge on the Kiwis, who defeated them in the final of the inaugural WTC early this year.

Team India demolished New Zealand in the three T20Is and have now shifted their focus on the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 in Kanpur. The series will give India a chance to not only move forward in the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), but also take revenge on the Kiwis, who defeated them in the final of the inaugural WTC early this year. Ahead of the first Test, Ajinkya Rahane-led India have problems of plenty as there are many takers for the opening slots. While KL Rahul is confirmed to open, following his sensational run in the England Tests, he will be accompanied by Shubman Gill or Mayank Agarwal. For the unversed, Mayank did bat in the middle-order in the final Test of the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gill is also being touted to take the middle-order responsibilities given Rohit Sharma is certain to open with Rahul on his return. ALSO READ | BCCI bans pork, beef in any form; Halal meat made complusory for Indian cricket team - Report Before the series opener, vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara revealed who among Mayank or Gill will definitely be a part of the team. Pujara told in a virtual press conference that Gill is certain to play. He told while addressing a question, "Can’t reveal that at this stage. But see, he is a talented player and definitely he will be part of the team. So someone like him, you know he doesn’t need to worry too much, he has been playing good cricket for a couple of years since he has made his debut. It was unfortunate that he missed out on England, but he is a talented player, and I don’t think personally I will need to tell him much." "Rahul bhai is there, he will give the best guidance. So I think he will just have to play his natural game. I can’t reveal the position he will bat at, but he is well prepared and I am sure he is looking forward to this series,” Pujara, who is the vice-captain for the first Test, said in response to a Sportskeeda's query during a virtual presser. ALSO READ | WATCH: Rahul Dravid applauds fielding coach after Ishan Kishan's direct hit dismisses NZ's Mitchell Santner Given that Mayank wasn't favoured despite Gill's absence during the England Tests, the latter seems to have an upper hand over the Karnataka-born cricketer for the opening slot. It will be interesting to see if Mayank bats lower down the order in the series opener. India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, etc. are likely to return for the second and final Test in Mumbai, from December 3.

Mayank or Gill? Cheteshwar Pujara reveals which Indian batter will be in playing XI for 1st Test vs NZ

<p>Team India had a flawless outing in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand on Sunday evening (November 21) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rohit Sharma-led India walked into the final encounter with an unassailable 2-0 lead and aimed for a whitewash. The Men in Blue succeeded in clean sweeping the Kiwis as they won the last T20I by a whopping 73-run margin.</p>

<p>Opting to bat first, Rohit-led India posted a competitive 184-7, riding on skipper's 56 and vital contributions from Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar. In reply, NZ folded for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs as none apart from Martin Guptill (51) looked comfortable in the middle. Hence, India had a clinical game with all their departments contributing in the win.</p>

<p>In terms of fielding, the hosts were right on the money as well. Ishan Kishan, who usually dons the wicketkeeper's gloves, inflicted a direct hit from the deep to dismiss stand-in captain Mitchell Santner. Ishan's efforts was lauded by the spectators whereas newly-appointed head coach Rahul Dravid gave a pat on the back of fielding coach T Dilip, who has succeeded R Sridhar. <strong>Check out the video:</strong></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-often-let-ms-dhoni-handle-bharat-arun-opines-on-smooth-captaincy-transition-between-duo-431347">'Virat Kohli often let MS Dhoni handle...': Bharat Arun opines on smooth captaincy transition between duo</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/2lbE7v454f">pic.twitter.com/2lbE7v454f</a></p>
— pant shirt fc (@pant_fc) <a href="https://twitter.com/pant_fc/status/1462650685959204865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-indias-limited-overs-specialist-suryakumar-yadav-likely-to-join-test-squad-for-nz-series-report-431253"><strong>Team India's limited-overs specialist Suryakumar Yadav likely to join Test squad for NZ series: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>After a terrific T20I series, the Indian team will now shift their focus to the two-match Test series versus the Black Caps. The series opener will be held in Kanpur from November 25 whereas the second and final Test will be held in Mumbai, from December 3.</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for the 1st Test is as follows:</strong></p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna</p>

<p>The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the final Test.</p>


Team India had a flawless outing in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand on Sunday evening (November 21) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rohit Sharma-led India walked into the final encounter with an unassailable 2-0 lead and aimed for a whitewash.

Team India had a flawless outing in the third and final T20I versus New Zealand on Sunday evening (November 21) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rohit Sharma-led India walked into the final encounter with an unassailable 2-0 lead and aimed for a whitewash. The Men in Blue succeeded in clean sweeping the Kiwis as they won the last T20I by a whopping 73-run margin. Opting to bat first, Rohit-led India posted a competitive 184-7, riding on skipper's 56 and vital contributions from Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar. In reply, NZ folded for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs as none apart from Martin Guptill (51) looked comfortable in the middle. Hence, India had a clinical game with all their departments contributing in the win. In terms of fielding, the hosts were right on the money as well. Ishan Kishan, who usually dons the wicketkeeper's gloves, inflicted a direct hit from the deep to dismiss stand-in captain Mitchell Santner. Ishan's efforts was lauded by the spectators whereas newly-appointed head coach Rahul Dravid gave a pat on the back of fielding coach T Dilip, who has succeeded R Sridhar. Check out the video: ALSO READ | 'Virat Kohli often let MS Dhoni handle...': Bharat Arun opines on smooth captaincy transition between duo pic.twitter.com/2lbE7v454f — pant shirt fc (@pant_fc) November 22, 2021 × ALSO READ | Team India's limited-overs specialist Suryakumar Yadav likely to join Test squad for NZ series: Report After a terrific T20I series, the Indian team will now shift their focus to the two-match Test series versus the Black Caps. The series opener will be held in Kanpur from November 25 whereas the second and final Test will be held in Mumbai, from December 3. India's squad for the 1st Test is as follows: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna The big guns such as regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, etc. are expected to return to the squad for the final Test.

WATCH: Rahul Dravid applauds fielding coach after Ishan Kishan's direct hit dismisses NZ's Mitchell Santner

<p>India and New Zealand squared off for the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. eager to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps. The Men in Blue succeeded eventually as they won the dead rubber by a whopping 73-run margin at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Rohit-led India posted a competitive 184-7&nbsp;in 20 overs riding on Captain Rohit's 56 and contributions from Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar's finishing knock. While New Zealand was never in the run-chase, despite Martin Guptill's attacking 51, the Kiwis folded for a paltry 111 all-out in 17.2 overs as Axar Patel's 3-fer and Harshal's 2 for 26 thrashed the visitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, the Kiwis did have their moments during India's batting. After a solid start from Rohit-Ishan, India did lose quick wickets and were reduced to 83-3, from 69 for no loss, when Rohit and Shreyas stitched a partnership for the third-wicket. Against the run of play, Rohit tried to take on Ish Sodhi but the leg-spinner managed to dismiss the dangerous Hitman with a splendid and effortless one-handed stunner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ball didn't bounce as expected and Rohit couldn't get the desired timing, as the ball hit his bottom of the bat, to give Sodhi a catching opportunity. While the ball still raced towards the leg-spinner, he responded in style to pluck a stunning return catch. Here's the video:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsnz-3rd-t20i-rohit-sharma-and-axar-patel-help-india-thrash-new-zealand-by-73-runs-whitewash-series-431044"><strong>INDvsNZ, 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel help India thrash New Zealand by 73 runs, whitewash series</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a catch on his own bowling!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sodhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sodhi</a> took <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> single handedly!<br />
Well played <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> 👏👏👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/5LZXDWZEn5">pic.twitter.com/5LZXDWZEn5</a></p>
— BlueCap 🇮🇳 (@IndianzCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianzCricket/status/1462429702665093122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ish sodhi's wonderful catch to remove rohit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDVsNZT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDVsNZT20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indvsnz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indvsnz</a> <a href="https://t.co/JyKO6RrHVv">pic.twitter.com/JyKO6RrHVv</a></p>
— WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS (@RISHItweets123) <a href="https://twitter.com/RISHItweets123/status/1462474038677172226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kamran-akmal-praises-team-indias-performance-during-nz-series-hails-brilliant-captaincy-from-rohit-sharma-431060"><strong>Kamran Akmal praises team India's performance during NZ series, hails 'brilliant' captaincy from Rohit Sharma</strong></a></p>

<p>After the 3-0 whitewash of the Kiwis, Captain Rohit reflected on the series win and stated at the post-match presentation, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series. The way Ashwin bowled, Axar. And how Chahal came back. Good to see Venkatesh Iyer bowling those overs with the skills he has. Important for us going forward. I would prefer that going forward .. teams around the world bat deep till No.8, No.9."</p>


India and New Zealand squared off for the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with Rohit Sharma & Co. eager to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps.

India and New Zealand squared off for the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with Rohit Sharma & Co. eager to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps. The Men in Blue succeeded eventually as they won the dead rubber by a whopping 73-run margin at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Batting first, Rohit-led India posted a competitive 184-7 in 20 overs riding on Captain Rohit's 56 and contributions from Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar's finishing knock. While New Zealand was never in the run-chase, despite Martin Guptill's attacking 51, the Kiwis folded for a paltry 111 all-out in 17.2 overs as Axar Patel's 3-fer and Harshal's 2 for 26 thrashed the visitors. Nonetheless, the Kiwis did have their moments during India's batting. After a solid start from Rohit-Ishan, India did lose quick wickets and were reduced to 83-3, from 69 for no loss, when Rohit and Shreyas stitched a partnership for the third-wicket. Against the run of play, Rohit tried to take on Ish Sodhi but the leg-spinner managed to dismiss the dangerous Hitman with a splendid and effortless one-handed stunner. The ball didn't bounce as expected and Rohit couldn't get the desired timing, as the ball hit his bottom of the bat, to give Sodhi a catching opportunity. While the ball still raced towards the leg-spinner, he responded in style to pluck a stunning return catch. Here's the video: ALSO READ | INDvsNZ, 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel help India thrash New Zealand by 73 runs, whitewash series What a catch on his own bowling!#Sodhi took #RohitSharma single handedly! Well played @ImRo45 👏👏👏👏#NZvIND #NZvsIND #INDvNZ #INDvsNZ #Cricket pic.twitter.com/5LZXDWZEn5 — BlueCap 🇮🇳 (@IndianzCricket) November 21, 2021 × Ish sodhi's wonderful catch to remove rohit #INDVsNZT20 #indvsnz pic.twitter.com/JyKO6RrHVv — WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS (@RISHItweets123) November 21, 2021 × ALSO READ | Kamran Akmal praises team India's performance during NZ series, hails 'brilliant' captaincy from Rohit Sharma After the 3-0 whitewash of the Kiwis, Captain Rohit reflected on the series win and stated at the post-match presentation, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series. The way Ashwin bowled, Axar. And how Chahal came back. Good to see Venkatesh Iyer bowling those overs with the skills he has. Important for us going forward. I would prefer that going forward .. teams around the world bat deep till No.8, No.9."

WATCH - Ish Sodhi takes an effortless one-handed stunner to send Rohit Sharma packing in 3rd T20I

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Team India demolished the second-stringed New Zealand side in the just-concluded T20Is at home, on Sunday evening (November 21). Taking an unassailable lead in the series post their win in the second and penultimate encounter, India went onto beat the Black Caps by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata to seal the series 3-0.</p>

<p>While there were many positives for India, Suryakumar Yadav also played his part with a match-winning 62 (40) in the series opener. The right-hander did struggle in the last two outings, returning with scores of 1 and 0 respectively, but he is now likely to join the Ajinkya Rahane-led Test line-up for the upcoming two-match series versus the Kiwis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Suryakumar will be making a comeback to the Test team. He will join India’s Test team in Kanpur from Kolkata," a source told Mid-Day on Monday. For the unversed, the Mumbai Indians' (MI) star batsman was part of the Virat Kohli-led Indian Test team during their five-match series versus England, in the United Kingdom, but failed to get a game in the purest format. It will be interesting to see if the Rahul Dravid-led team management ropes him in the Test squad&nbsp;and gives him a game in the upcoming two matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-youre-trying-to-do-something-for-the-team-it-will-never-go-unnoticed-says-rohit-sharma-post-nz-t20is-431248"><strong>If you're trying to do something for the team, it will never go unnoticed, says Rohit Sharma post NZ T20Is</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian team for the first Test doesn't include some big names, such as regular captain Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. Hence, Surya can get a chance in the series opener or even in the final encounter. However, the regulars are expected to return to the squad by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand</strong></p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-easy-for-nz-to-rahul-dravid-sympathises-with-black-caps-after-india-whitewash-t20i-series-431220">'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series</a></strong></p>

<p>The upcoming Tests will give India another chance to move ahead in the points table in the ongoing second cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). They had lost the coveted title to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural WTC in mid-June early this year, in Southampton. Hence, the hosts have all to play for in the NZ Tests.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Team India demolished the second-stringed New Zealand side in the just-concluded T20Is at home, on Sunday evening (November 21). Taking an unassailable lead in the series post their win in the second and penultimate encounter, India went onto beat the Black Caps by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata to seal the series 3-0.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India demolished the second-stringed New Zealand side in the just-concluded T20Is at home, on Sunday evening (November 21). Taking an unassailable lead in the series post their win in the second and penultimate encounter, India went onto beat the Black Caps by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata to seal the series 3-0. While there were many positives for India, Suryakumar Yadav also played his part with a match-winning 62 (40) in the series opener. The right-hander did struggle in the last two outings, returning with scores of 1 and 0 respectively, but he is now likely to join the Ajinkya Rahane-led Test line-up for the upcoming two-match series versus the Kiwis. "Suryakumar will be making a comeback to the Test team. He will join India’s Test team in Kanpur from Kolkata," a source told Mid-Day on Monday. For the unversed, the Mumbai Indians' (MI) star batsman was part of the Virat Kohli-led Indian Test team during their five-match series versus England, in the United Kingdom, but failed to get a game in the purest format. It will be interesting to see if the Rahul Dravid-led team management ropes him in the Test squad and gives him a game in the upcoming two matches. ALSO READ | If you're trying to do something for the team, it will never go unnoticed, says Rohit Sharma post NZ T20Is The Indian team for the first Test doesn't include some big names, such as regular captain Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, etc. Hence, Surya can get a chance in the series opener or even in the final encounter. However, the regulars are expected to return to the squad by then. India squad for the 1st Test vs New Zealand Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna ALSO READ | 'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series The upcoming Tests will give India another chance to move ahead in the points table in the ongoing second cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). They had lost the coveted title to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural WTC in mid-June early this year, in Southampton. Hence, the hosts have all to play for in the NZ Tests.

Team India's limited-overs specialist Suryakumar Yadav likely to join Test squad for NZ series: Report

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India whitewashed New Zealand in the three T20Is by winning the third and final encounter by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21). Thus, the national side entered the new era, under head coach Rahul Dravid, in style whereas Rohit also got off to an emphatic start as a T20I captain.</p>

<p>Post the 3-0 scoreline, where the hosts had plenty of positives, Rohit reflected on the kind of team culture Dravid and he are looking to develop within the side. "We're trying to create a healthy atmosphere in the team, trying to give players the security so that they can go out and play fearlessly. The first meeting that we had, we spoke of this very clearly to all the players that if you're trying to do something for the team, that act will never go unnoticed,” said Rohit during the post-match press conference on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will always be recognised when you're trying to put up your hand and take the pressure on yourself and try to do something for the team. That is the job of the captain and the coach to tell the players that we do understand what you're trying to do for the team, you go and take your chances,” he further explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-easy-for-nz-to-rahul-dravid-sympathises-with-black-caps-after-india-whitewash-t20i-series-431220">'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about Rohit's performances, he was at his usual best with the bat and as a leader. With the willow, he returned with scores of 48, 55 and 56 to walk away with the Player-of-the-Tournament award. The right-hander will now shift his focus to the two-match Test series versus the Black Caps, starting from November 25 at Kanpur. While Hitman won't be seen in action in the series opener, as he has been rested, it is expected that he will comeback for the final Test, which will be held at his home ground i.e. the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai from December 3-7.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led India whitewashed New Zealand in the three T20Is by winning the third and final encounter by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21).

Rohit Sharma-led India whitewashed New Zealand in the three T20Is by winning the third and final encounter by a whopping 73-run margin at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21). Thus, the national side entered the new era, under head coach Rahul Dravid, in style whereas Rohit also got off to an emphatic start as a T20I captain. Post the 3-0 scoreline, where the hosts had plenty of positives, Rohit reflected on the kind of team culture Dravid and he are looking to develop within the side. "We're trying to create a healthy atmosphere in the team, trying to give players the security so that they can go out and play fearlessly. The first meeting that we had, we spoke of this very clearly to all the players that if you're trying to do something for the team, that act will never go unnoticed,” said Rohit during the post-match press conference on Sunday. "It will always be recognised when you're trying to put up your hand and take the pressure on yourself and try to do something for the team. That is the job of the captain and the coach to tell the players that we do understand what you're trying to do for the team, you go and take your chances,” he further explained. ALSO READ | 'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series Talking about Rohit's performances, he was at his usual best with the bat and as a leader. With the willow, he returned with scores of 48, 55 and 56 to walk away with the Player-of-the-Tournament award. The right-hander will now shift his focus to the two-match Test series versus the Black Caps, starting from November 25 at Kanpur. While Hitman won't be seen in action in the series opener, as he has been rested, it is expected that he will comeback for the final Test, which will be held at his home ground i.e. the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai from December 3-7.

If you're trying to do something for the team, it will never go unnoticed, says Rohit Sharma post NZ T20Is

<p>India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the third and final T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21). With the series already in their grasp, Rohit Sharma-led Indian team experimented by giving more opportunities to young stars and opting to bat first; given the Men in Blue's ordinary record at defending totals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Batting first, Rohit-starrer India posted a competitive 184-7 in 20 overs, courtesy the skipper's 56 and vital contributions from the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Harshal Patel. In reply, Martin Guptill was the lone warrior for the Black Caps as none apart from the opener's 51 looked comfortable as the Kiwis folded for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs to lose by 73 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-rohit-sharma-salutes-deepak-chahar-as-csk-star-hits-massive-6-in-kolkata-t20i-watch-431189"><strong>Ind vs NZ: Rohit Sharma salutes Deepak Chahar as CSK star hits massive 6 in Kolkata T20I - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Given that NZ were the T20 World Cup finalists, they would be disappointed with the 0-3 scoreline. However, newly-appointed Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid feels NZ were surely exhausted, coming into the series after a three-day gap post the T20 WC final versus Australia. In addition, they didn't have a full-strength squad with regular captain Kane Williamson being&nbsp;rested.</p>

<p>"We have to keep our feet on the ground and be a bit realistic about this win," Dravid said at the post-match presentation here. "Not easy for NZ to play a World Cup final and then to turn up three days later and play three games in six days, was never going to be easy for them. It was nice from our perspective but we have to learn from this series and move forward. It's a long journey ahead over the next two years and we'll have our share of ups and downs," added the former Indian captain.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-bizarre-team-indias-harshal-patel-gets-dismissed-hit-wicket-vs-nz-during-kolkata-t20i-431164"><strong>WATCH: BIZARRE! Team India's Harshal Patel gets dismissed 'hit wicket' vs NZ during Kolkata T20I</strong></a></p>

<p>After the 3-0 result, Rohit told at the post-match presentation, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series."</p>

<p>The action will now move to the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 at Kanpur. The visitors will surely like to settle scores with India in the Tests post the failures in the shortest format.</p>


India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the third and final T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21). With the series already in their grasp, Rohit Sharma-led Indian team experimented by giving more opportunities to young stars and opting to bat first; given the Men in Blue's ordinary record at defending totals.

India and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the third and final T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday evening (November 21). With the series already in their grasp, Rohit Sharma-led Indian team experimented by giving more opportunities to young stars and opting to bat first; given the Men in Blue's ordinary record at defending totals. Batting first, Rohit-starrer India posted a competitive 184-7 in 20 overs, courtesy the skipper's 56 and vital contributions from the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Ishan Kishan and Harshal Patel. In reply, Martin Guptill was the lone warrior for the Black Caps as none apart from the opener's 51 looked comfortable as the Kiwis folded for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs to lose by 73 runs. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ: Rohit Sharma salutes Deepak Chahar as CSK star hits massive 6 in Kolkata T20I - WATCH Given that NZ were the T20 World Cup finalists, they would be disappointed with the 0-3 scoreline. However, newly-appointed Indian team head coach Rahul Dravid feels NZ were surely exhausted, coming into the series after a three-day gap post the T20 WC final versus Australia. In addition, they didn't have a full-strength squad with regular captain Kane Williamson being rested. "We have to keep our feet on the ground and be a bit realistic about this win," Dravid said at the post-match presentation here. "Not easy for NZ to play a World Cup final and then to turn up three days later and play three games in six days, was never going to be easy for them. It was nice from our perspective but we have to learn from this series and move forward. It's a long journey ahead over the next two years and we'll have our share of ups and downs," added the former Indian captain. ALSO READ | WATCH: BIZARRE! Team India's Harshal Patel gets dismissed 'hit wicket' vs NZ during Kolkata T20I After the 3-0 result, Rohit told at the post-match presentation, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series." The action will now move to the two-match Test series, starting from November 25 at Kanpur. The visitors will surely like to settle scores with India in the Tests post the failures in the shortest format.

'Not easy for NZ to...' - Rahul Dravid sympathises with Black Caps after India whitewash T20I series

<p>India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with an aim to whitewash the Black Caps after entering the match with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The Rohit Sharma-led side wanted to experiment and add some new faces to the line-up with the series already in their grasp.</p>

<p>Following the coin toss, Rohit decided to bat first as India wanted to test themselves while defending a score. In recent times, India have done exceedingly well while chasing totals but haven't been comfortable while setting up a target, which resulted in their T20 World Cup failures as they lost both their opening games (to Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively) when asked to bat first.</p>

<p>Hence, Rohit &amp; Co. opted to bat first. From 69 for no loss, India did lose quick wickets to be reduced to 83-3 before vital contributions from Rohit's 56, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar's finishing knock took the side to 184-7 in 20 overs. Chahar played a superb cameo in the end, studded with two fours and a six at a strike-rate of 163.64, and surprised many among the spectators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chahar's superb pull shot, in the final over of the Indian innings, was met with positive response all around whereas skipper Rohit gave him a grand salute from the pavillion. Here's the shot and Hitman's amazing reaction:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-bizarre-team-indias-harshal-patel-gets-dismissed-hit-wicket-vs-nz-during-kolkata-t20i-431164"><strong>WATCH: BIZARRE! Team India's Harshal Patel gets dismissed 'hit wicket' vs NZ during Kolkata T20I</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/fwckFcqHrZ">pic.twitter.com/fwckFcqHrZ</a></p>
— Simran (@CowCorner9) <a href="https://twitter.com/CowCorner9/status/1462442025974779910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma saluting for Deepak Chahar 's heroic finish <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepakchahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepakchahar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rew7C6BrPE">pic.twitter.com/Rew7C6BrPE</a></p>
— Ash MSDian™💛 (@ashMSDIAN7) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashMSDIAN7/status/1462442920229826560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ish-sodhi-takes-an-effortless-one-handed-stunner-to-send-rohit-sharma-packing-in-3rd-t20i-431141"><strong>WATCH - Ish Sodhi takes an effortless one-handed stunner to send Rohit Sharma packing in 3rd T20I</strong></a></p>

<p>In reply, NZ were never in the run-chase and got dismissed for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs to lose by 73 runs. Among the bowlers, Axar Patel returned with 3 for 9 whereas Harshal Patel ended with 2 for 26 to dent the Kiwis' run-chase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Rohit stated, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series. The way Ashwin bowled, Axar. And how Chahal came back. Good to see Venkatesh Iyer bowling those overs with the skills he has. Important for us going forward. I would prefer that going forward .. teams around the world bat deep till No.8, No.9. Harshal, when he plays for Haryana, he opens the batting for them. And then Deepak, we've seen what he did in SL. Chahal was looking forward to bat as well. I've grown up playing on a concrete pitch back in the day. Once I started opening a lot of things changed. Won't say it (playing the pull) comes naturally. I've practised a lot playing those shots. Some days it comes off very well but I've got out also playing that shot. That's why I say when you've got a certain strength, you've got to back it."</p>

<p>The action will now move to the two Test matches, which will commence from November 25 at Kanpur.&nbsp;</p>


India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with an aim to whitewash the Black Caps after entering the match with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

India locked horns with New Zealand in the third and final T20I on Sunday evening (November 21) with an aim to whitewash the Black Caps after entering the match with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The Rohit Sharma-led side wanted to experiment and add some new faces to the line-up with the series already in their grasp. Following the coin toss, Rohit decided to bat first as India wanted to test themselves while defending a score. In recent times, India have done exceedingly well while chasing totals but haven't been comfortable while setting up a target, which resulted in their T20 World Cup failures as they lost both their opening games (to Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively) when asked to bat first. Hence, Rohit & Co. opted to bat first. From 69 for no loss, India did lose quick wickets to be reduced to 83-3 before vital contributions from Rohit's 56, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel and Deepak Chahar's finishing knock took the side to 184-7 in 20 overs. Chahar played a superb cameo in the end, studded with two fours and a six at a strike-rate of 163.64, and surprised many among the spectators. Chahar's superb pull shot, in the final over of the Indian innings, was met with positive response all around whereas skipper Rohit gave him a grand salute from the pavillion. Here's the shot and Hitman's amazing reaction: ALSO READ | WATCH: BIZARRE! Team India's Harshal Patel gets dismissed 'hit wicket' vs NZ during Kolkata T20I pic.twitter.com/fwckFcqHrZ — Simran (@CowCorner9) November 21, 2021 × Rohit Sharma saluting for Deepak Chahar 's heroic finish #INDvNZ | #Deepakchahar pic.twitter.com/Rew7C6BrPE — Ash MSDian™💛 (@ashMSDIAN7) November 21, 2021 × ALSO READ | WATCH - Ish Sodhi takes an effortless one-handed stunner to send Rohit Sharma packing in 3rd T20I In reply, NZ were never in the run-chase and got dismissed for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs to lose by 73 runs. Among the bowlers, Axar Patel returned with 3 for 9 whereas Harshal Patel ended with 2 for 26 to dent the Kiwis' run-chase. At the post-match presentation, Rohit stated, "It's important to start well. That's always been my mindset. Once you've seen the pitch you know what you've got to do. It was nicely coming onto the bat with the dew coming early. We had something planned as a batting group. Wouldn't say it worked out well. Room for improvement in the middle order. The batting front - KL missed out today but his form is critical. Middle order didn't get much opportunity except today. The spinners did the job for us in the entire series. The way Ashwin bowled, Axar. And how Chahal came back. Good to see Venkatesh Iyer bowling those overs with the skills he has. Important for us going forward. I would prefer that going forward .. teams around the world bat deep till No.8, No.9. Harshal, when he plays for Haryana, he opens the batting for them. And then Deepak, we've seen what he did in SL. Chahal was looking forward to bat as well. I've grown up playing on a concrete pitch back in the day. Once I started opening a lot of things changed. Won't say it (playing the pull) comes naturally. I've practised a lot playing those shots. Some days it comes off very well but I've got out also playing that shot. That's why I say when you've got a certain strength, you've got to back it." The action will now move to the two Test matches, which will commence from November 25 at Kanpur.

Ind vs NZ: Rohit Sharma salutes Deepak Chahar as CSK star hits massive 6 in Kolkata T20I - WATCH

<p>India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20I, in Kolkata, to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps. While Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue were also without some of their superstar cricketers, such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, the onus was on the youngsters and the uncapped players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Ishan Kishan, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Venkatesh Iyer, etc. were expected to make a mark as Rahul Dravid-era (with the former Indian captain taking over as head coach) finally commenced in Indian cricket.</p>

<p>While many Indian youngsters and debutants impressed, the 30-year-old Harshal has been having a dream run in 2021. After ending with 32 scalps in IPL 2021, for the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Harshal impressed as he returned with the Player-of-the-Match award on debut (in the second T20I) whereas also ended with a handy cameo with the bat and a two-fer in the final T20I.</p>

<p>However, Harshal made heads turn by getting dismissed 'hit wicket' during his 11-ball 18. The pace-bowling all-rounder became the second Indian, after KL Rahul, to get dismissed in this fashion in the shortest format. Here's the video of Harshal's 'hit wicket' dismissal:</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ish-sodhi-takes-an-effortless-one-handed-stunner-to-send-rohit-sharma-packing-in-3rd-t20i-431141"><strong>WATCH - Ish Sodhi takes an effortless one-handed stunner to send Rohit Sharma packing in 3rd T20I</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndVsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndVsNZ</a> A very strange dismissal as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarshalPatel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarshalPatel</a> is out hit the wicket! 2nd Indian after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KLRahul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KLRahul</a> to be out in this manner. Harshal was standing very far back in his crease. <a href="https://t.co/jctmbfafDD">pic.twitter.com/jctmbfafDD</a></p>
— SportsTalk (@rajeshworld) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajeshworld/status/1462440261691199494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsnz-3rd-t20i-rohit-sharma-and-axar-patel-help-india-thrash-new-zealand-by-73-runs-whitewash-series-431044"><strong>INDvsNZ, 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel help India thrash New Zealand by 73 runs, whitewash series</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the third T20I, India won the toss and opted to bat first at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Riding on Rohit's 56 and vital contributions from Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Harshal and Deepak Chahar's cameo, India posted a competitive 184-7. In reply, New Zealand were never in the run-chase -- despite Martin Guptill's 51 -- as the Black Caps were bundled out for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs.</p>

<p>After this, the action will now shift to the two-match Test series; commencing from November 25 (Thursday).&nbsp;</p>


India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20I, in Kolkata, to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps. While Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue were also without some of their superstar cricketers, such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, the onus was on the youngsters and the uncapped players.

India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20I, in Kolkata, to inflict a clean sweep on the second-stringed Black Caps. While Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue were also without some of their superstar cricketers, such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, the onus was on the youngsters and the uncapped players. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Venkatesh Iyer, etc. were expected to make a mark as Rahul Dravid-era (with the former Indian captain taking over as head coach) finally commenced in Indian cricket. While many Indian youngsters and debutants impressed, the 30-year-old Harshal has been having a dream run in 2021. After ending with 32 scalps in IPL 2021, for the Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Harshal impressed as he returned with the Player-of-the-Match award on debut (in the second T20I) whereas also ended with a handy cameo with the bat and a two-fer in the final T20I. However, Harshal made heads turn by getting dismissed 'hit wicket' during his 11-ball 18. The pace-bowling all-rounder became the second Indian, after KL Rahul, to get dismissed in this fashion in the shortest format. Here's the video of Harshal's 'hit wicket' dismissal: ALSO READ | WATCH - Ish Sodhi takes an effortless one-handed stunner to send Rohit Sharma packing in 3rd T20I #IndVsNZ A very strange dismissal as #HarshalPatel is out hit the wicket! 2nd Indian after #KLRahul to be out in this manner. Harshal was standing very far back in his crease. pic.twitter.com/jctmbfafDD — SportsTalk (@rajeshworld) November 21, 2021 × ALSO READ | INDvsNZ, 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel help India thrash New Zealand by 73 runs, whitewash series Talking about the third T20I, India won the toss and opted to bat first at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Riding on Rohit's 56 and vital contributions from Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, Harshal and Deepak Chahar's cameo, India posted a competitive 184-7. In reply, New Zealand were never in the run-chase -- despite Martin Guptill's 51 -- as the Black Caps were bundled out for a paltry 111 in 17.2 overs. After this, the action will now shift to the two-match Test series; commencing from November 25 (Thursday).

WATCH: BIZARRE! Team India's Harshal Patel gets dismissed 'hit wicket' vs NZ during Kolkata T20I

<p>New Zealand coach Gary Stead says his team is bracing up for a "tough and challenging" schedule as it heads to India for a three-match T20 series, starting just three days after the T20 World Cup final which the Black Caps lost to Australia here.</p>

<p>New Zealand on Sunday lost to Australia by eight wickets in the showpiece but Kane Williamson's men will hardly have any time to regroup as it faces India in the opening T20I at Jaipur on Wednesday.</p>

<p>It will be followed by the second and third T20Is on November 19 and November 21, before they kick off their World Test Championship defence with two games in Kanpur and Mumbai.</p>

<p>"It's the first time that I can remember that we're so quickly into another series immediately at the back-end of the T20 World Cup," Stead was quoted as saying by 'ESPNcricinfo'.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-will-australia-regain-dominance-in-world-cricket-after-t20-wc-triumph-john-buchanan-opines-429442"><strong>EXCLUSIVE: Will Australia regain dominance in world cricket after T20 WC triumph? John Buchanan opines</strong></a></p>

<p>"It's definitely tough and challenging but it is what is in front of us."</p>

<p>The members of the Test side, who are not part of the T20 squad, are already in India.</p>

<p>It will be a busy time for the kiwi support staff as they juggle with training the Test players in the morning and the T20 cricketers in the evening in the next few weeks.</p>

<p>"We've got nine-ten guys in India already, who are preparing for those Test matches, and hopefully we can get up and have a really great performance against India."</p>

<p>New Zealand cricketers have been in the bio-bubble for varying time period with 10 members of the T20 squad also competing at the IPL in UAE which preceded the ICC event, while others like Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham played at the Hundred.</p>

<p>There were others like Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi, who also stayed in the UAE bubble following New Zealand's decision to call off their tour of Pakistan due to security concerns in September.</p>

<p>In some good news for New Zealand, pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson, who missed the T20 World Cup due to a calf injury, is likely to return to action.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-india-under-performed-in-t20-wc-a-quick-look-at-the-recipe-that-left-a-bad-taste-in-our-mouth-428950"><strong>How India under-performed in T20 WC? A quick look at the recipe that left a bad taste in our mouth</strong></a></p>

<p>Ferguson, who was sidelined just hours before New Zealand's opening match against Pakistan in Sharjah, has resumed bowling at the nets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.</p>

<p>"In terms of Lockie, I think he is pretty close," Stead said.</p>

<p>"We will just make sure we get over there, travel okay and there's no issues like seizing up on the flight or anything like that. But I'd expect that he's going to be available for selection, which will be fantastic.</p>

<p>"With all the guys that are going to prepare for the Test matches, we just have to make that call over there - whether we think it's in the best interests of them and also in the best interests of the team being that the Test matches are more of our priority, I think, in the next month than what the T20 matches will be."&nbsp;</p>


New Zealand coach Gary Stead says his team is bracing up for a "tough and challenging" schedule as it heads to India for a three-match T20 series, starting just three days after the T20 World Cup final which the Black Caps lost to Australia here.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead says his team is bracing up for a "tough and challenging" schedule as it heads to India for a three-match T20 series, starting just three days after the T20 World Cup final which the Black Caps lost to Australia here. New Zealand on Sunday lost to Australia by eight wickets in the showpiece but Kane Williamson's men will hardly have any time to regroup as it faces India in the opening T20I at Jaipur on Wednesday. It will be followed by the second and third T20Is on November 19 and November 21, before they kick off their World Test Championship defence with two games in Kanpur and Mumbai. "It's the first time that I can remember that we're so quickly into another series immediately at the back-end of the T20 World Cup," Stead was quoted as saying by 'ESPNcricinfo'. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Will Australia regain dominance in world cricket after T20 WC triumph? John Buchanan opines "It's definitely tough and challenging but it is what is in front of us." The members of the Test side, who are not part of the T20 squad, are already in India. It will be a busy time for the kiwi support staff as they juggle with training the Test players in the morning and the T20 cricketers in the evening in the next few weeks. "We've got nine-ten guys in India already, who are preparing for those Test matches, and hopefully we can get up and have a really great performance against India." New Zealand cricketers have been in the bio-bubble for varying time period with 10 members of the T20 squad also competing at the IPL in UAE which preceded the ICC event, while others like Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham played at the Hundred. There were others like Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi, who also stayed in the UAE bubble following New Zealand's decision to call off their tour of Pakistan due to security concerns in September. In some good news for New Zealand, pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson, who missed the T20 World Cup due to a calf injury, is likely to return to action. ALSO READ | How India under-performed in T20 WC? A quick look at the recipe that left a bad taste in our mouth Ferguson, who was sidelined just hours before New Zealand's opening match against Pakistan in Sharjah, has resumed bowling at the nets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. "In terms of Lockie, I think he is pretty close," Stead said. "We will just make sure we get over there, travel okay and there's no issues like seizing up on the flight or anything like that. But I'd expect that he's going to be available for selection, which will be fantastic. "With all the guys that are going to prepare for the Test matches, we just have to make that call over there - whether we think it's in the best interests of them and also in the best interests of the team being that the Test matches are more of our priority, I think, in the next month than what the T20 matches will be."

'Definitely tough and challenging schedule', says NZ coach Gary Stead ahead of India tour