Wed Oct 16 02:01:25 UTC 2024: ## Shubman Gill Doubtful For First Test Against New Zealand, Rain Threatens Series Opener
**Bengaluru:** India’s star opener Shubman Gill is a major doubt for the first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Gill is reportedly suffering from neck pain and is currently under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
National media outlets are suggesting that if Gill doesn’t recover in time, he may be replaced by Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a double century in the recent Irani Cup. While Gill was selected for the Bangladesh Test series, he did not make the final playing XI. However, the BCCI has yet to make any official announcement regarding Gill’s injury.
The first Test is also facing a potential rain disruption. The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall for the five days of the match, which began with heavy showers on Tuesday morning, forcing Team India to cancel their practice session.
The three-match series, which will see the teams clash in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, marks New Zealand’s return to Indian soil. This will be the 63rd Test encounter between the two sides, with India having won 22 matches, New Zealand 13, and 27 ending in draws.
The Indian team for the series is: 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, and Akash Deep.
First Piper 