Thu Oct 17 03:40:00 UTC 2024: ## India Wins Toss, Opt to Bat in First Test Against New Zealand
**Bengaluru, October 17, 2024:** India won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test match against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Captain Rohit Sharma led the team in the absence of injured opener Shubman Gill, who will not be available for the match.
Gill, who has recovered from an injury, is not yet fully fit, according to Rohit. He has been replaced in the playing XI by Sarfaraz Khan.
In a significant move, India has opted for a three-pronged spin attack, with Kuldeep Yadav joining R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without pacer Mitchell Santner due to injury.
The first day’s play was washed out due to rain, with not a single ball bowled.
**India Playing XI:** Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
**New Zealand Playing XI:** Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will Orr.
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First Piper 