Thu Oct 17 08:20:46 UTC 2024: ## India Suffers Blow Ahead of First Test Against New Zealand: Shubman Gill Ruled Out

**Bengaluru:** India has received a setback ahead of the first Test match against New Zealand, with star batsman Shubman Gill ruled out due to injury. The opening batsman, who has been in exceptional form, will be replaced by Sarfaraz Khan in the playing XI.

Khan, who recently scored a double century in the Irani Trophy final, has been in tremendous form. He made his international debut earlier this year against England and impressed, but despite being included in the squad for the Bangladesh Test series, he did not get a chance to play.

The first Test match is scheduled to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The series, consisting of three Tests, is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their top spot in the World Test Championship points table and secure a place in their third consecutive final. India has been dominant in recent Test series, winning their last 17 home series, including a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh.

In contrast, New Zealand is coming off a disappointing 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka, which led to Tim Southee stepping down as captain. Tom Latham will lead the side in India.

This series will be India’s final home series of the season. Following the New Zealand series, the team will travel to Australia for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-Test series.

**India’s Test squad for the New Zealand series:**

Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep.

Traveling reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

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