IND vs NZ Test series- Rahane-Pujara: The opening Test will produce its own challenges for India in absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane and his deputy Cheteshwar Pujara can use the stage to stamp their authority in Indian Test cricket. The duo can use the golden opportunity to perform in home conditions. Follow India vs New Zealand LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
An impressive run could help the Test stalwarts can impress the selectors and solidify their place for the India tour of South Africa. The two of them had failed to live up to potential during the India tour of England. Both Pujara and Rahane can resurrect their Test career by dominating Kiwis at home.
IND vs NZ Test series: Golden chance for Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara to impress selectors
Ajinkya Rahane
- Rahane was spotted grinding hard at BKC, Mumbai during 4-day training from Nov 15-19 last week. He practised a couple of hours or more on a daily basis during the training at the Bandra-Kurla cricket complex.
- The New Zealand series would possibly decide his future. Besides leading India, Rahane need to score runs to make sure questions are not raised about his place for India vs South Africa.
- In the last 15 Tests, Rahane has amassed just 644 runs at an average of 24.76. Since match-winning century at MCG, Australia last December, Rahane’s form has witnessed a downward trend.
- The right-handed batsman is coming on the back of a dashing form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. He slammed 4 fifties across 5 innings.
- He has amassed 664 runs against New Zealand from 8 Tests at an average of 47+ which features a couple of centuries.
IND vs NZ Live: Ajinkya Rahane grinds it out at BKC, Can he deliver in 1st Test
Cheteshwar Pujara
- India batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara will look to deliver against Kiwis at home.
- He will be key in absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the first Test.
- Pujara has not played any form of cricket since IPL 2021. He failed to make it to the playing XI for CSK throughout the tournament.
- He has failed to score a century since January 2019 and the upcoming Test will give him an opportunity to end his jinx.
- He loves playing against New Zealand and has amassed 772 runs in 10 matches at an average of 42.8. It also includes a couple of hundreds, four fifties.
IND vs NZ Test series: Golden chance for Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara to impress selectors
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