IND vs NZ 2024: Shubman Gill likely to miss Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz Khan to replace

Star India batter Shubman Gill will likely miss the first Test of the three-match series against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The 25-year-old has a stiff neck and has spent most of his training time at the physio’s table in the last couple of days. Neither the BCCI nor captain Rohit Sharma commented on the same during the pre-match press conference as the team management is willing to wait till the last moment and finalise their decision.

In case Gill sits out, Sarfaraz Khan is expected to make a comeback in the playing XI as per a Hindustan Times report. The 26-year-old made his Test debut earlier in the year against England. He played three Tests in the five-match series, scoring 200 runs at an average of 50. Recently, he featured for India B in the Duleep Trophy but the flamboyant batter could not impress as his scores read 9, 46 and 16 across three innings.

However, he scored a match-winning double-century for Mumbai in the Irani Cup against the Rest of India. Rohit likes what Sarfaraz brings to the table and may even bat him at number three in Gill’s absence. However, KL Rahul can also be an option and Sarfaraz can bat at number six, following Rishabh Pant.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Bengaluru weather can play spoilsport

Day 1 of the first Test is likely to be affected by rain. There have been heavy rains in the lead-up to the encounter, however, the ground infrastructure and drainage is good enough at the venue. As per AccuWeather, there are chances of heavy rain on October 16 and 18 in Bengaluru. There is little to no possibility of rain on Day 2. It will be cloudy and windy but nothing which would affect the game.