Tue Oct 15 13:29:54 UTC 2024: ## India Prepares for New Zealand Test Series Amidst Injury Concerns
**Bengaluru, India:** The much-anticipated first Test match between India and New Zealand is set to begin on Wednesday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the Indian team faces a potential setback with star opener Shubman Gill’s fitness in question.
Reports suggest that Gill is battling neck and shoulder pain, leaving his participation in the first Test uncertain. His absence could open up an opportunity for either Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel to make their way into the playing XI.
Sarfaraz, who has been in impressive form recently with a double century in the Duleep Trophy, is considered the favorite to replace Gill. He had previously made his Test debut against England but lost his spot following KL Rahul’s return from injury.
If Sarfaraz is included in the playing eleven, India may have to shuffle their batting order. Decisions will have to be made about who will bat at number three, with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant as potential candidates.
Despite the injury concerns, India remains confident after their 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking to break a record as they have never won a Test series on foreign soil in the history of the World Test Championship.
**India’s Predicted Squad:** Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
First Piper 