As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the India vs New Zealand Test series, weather concerns loom large. Day 1 of the first Test, scheduled at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium from October 16 to 20, was unfortunately washed out due to heavy rains. Fans are now turning their attention to Day 2—will rain interfere again?
Weather Forecast for Bengaluru: Will Rain Persist?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of persistent and heavy rainfall in Bengaluru and neighboring regions until October 18. Expect overcast skies and scattered thunderstorms, which could pose challenges for the players and fans alike.
Current Rain Predictions
- Heavy Rainfall: The IMD forecasts isolated heavy rain today, affecting areas including Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davangere, and Tumakuru.
- Duration: Overcast conditions are likely to linger for the next few days, creating uncertainty for the match schedule.
With these weather conditions in mind, cricket lovers should stay updated for real-time weather updates to understand the likelihood of play on Day 2.
India vs New Zealand Test Series Schedule
The series will unfold across three matches:
- 1st Test: October 16-20, 2024, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- 2nd Test: October 24-28, 2024, at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
- 3rd Test: November 1-5, 2024, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
All matches are set to begin at 9:30 AM IST.
India’s Strong Home Record
India enters this series with a formidable track record, having not lost a home Test series since the 2012-13 season against England. The team has achieved 18 consecutive home victories, remaining unbeaten for over 4,000 days. They currently lead the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings with eight wins, two losses, and one draw from 11 matches.
Recent Performance of New Zealand
In contrast, New Zealand faced a challenging series recently, suffering a 2-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka. They will be looking to bounce back and make their mark in this Test series.
India Squad for the Test Series
The Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, includes:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
With Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as vice-captain, fans are keen to see how the leadership dynamics will play out.
Conclusion
As we look forward to Day 2 of the India vs New Zealand Test match, the weather forecast indicates a high chance of rain. While cricket fans hope for clear skies and a thrilling contest, it’s crucial to stay updated on the weather conditions. Regardless of interruptions, the excitement surrounding this Test series promises riveting cricket, showcasing some of the best talents from both teams.
