India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Match Preview and Predicted

As India prepares to face New Zealand in the 3rd and final Test of the 2024 series, fans are eager to see if India can avoid a clean sweep at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Having lost the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune, India is under immense pressure to secure at least one win in this series. With stakes high for both team pride and World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations, this match holds significant importance.

Weather Forecast for the 3rd Test

The weather on the first day might be tricky, with AccuWeather predicting humid conditions and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. However, the following four days look clear, paving the way for uninterrupted play.

India's winning chance is 92% but time will tell whether India can maintain their 92% because New Zealand's squad also looks very strong and good.

WTC Race: India Last Hope

India WTC journey hangs by a thread. To remain in contention for the WTC final, India must win at least four of the six remaining Tests this season, five of which are scheduled in Australia after this series. This game serves as a crucial warm-up, especially for the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have struggled to find form.

Predicted Playing XI for India and New Zealand

India Predicted XI

• Rohit Sharma (C)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Shubman Gill

• Virat Kohli

• Sarfaraz Khan

• Rishabh Pant (WK)

• Ravindra Jadeja

• R Ashwin

• Washington Sundar

• Akash Deep

• Mohammed Siraj

Player to Watch: All eyes are on Virat Kohli as he faces New Zealand’s left-arm spinners. With India’s batting lineup struggling in the past two Tests, Kohli’s experience and skill against spin could prove critical.

New Zealand Predicted XI

• Tom Latham (C)

• Devon Conway

• Will Young

• Rachin Ravindra

• Daryl Mitchell

• Tom Blundell (WK)

• Glenn Phillips

• Mitchell Santner

• Tim Southee / Matt Henry

• Will O’Rourke

• Ajaz Patel

Player to Watch: Ajaz Patel, the spinner who took 10 wickets against India at this very venue in 2021, is expected to be a game-changer again. Wankhede’s spin-friendly pitch could be his playground.

Pitch Report

Wankhede’s pitch is expected to favor spinners, with a dry surface that promises significant turn and bounce. Key spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja, Sundar, and New Zealand’s Patel and Santner are likely to make the most of these conditions.

Head to Head record In the last 5 matches between India and New Zealand, New Zealand has won 3, India has won 1 and 1 is a draw. The match will tell whether India will win two or not.

India and New Zealand Full Squads

India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel.

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy.

As the third Test unfolds, India’s batters will need to rise to the challenge on a turning track, with Kohli and Sharma in the spotlight. The encounter at Wankhede promises exciting battles, especially with spinners set to play a pivotal role in what could be a series-saving match for India.