IND Vs NZ 1st Test: After a long T20 season, the Indian players are finally back to play the traditional form of cricket. India vs New Zealand 2-match Test series begins on Thursday from Kanpur. Ajinkya Rahane, in a press conference, confirmed that Mumbai batsman, Shreyas Iyer would be making his Test debut in the first match against Kiwis.
'Shreyas Iyer is going to make his debut' at the Green Park Test match said Rahane on Wednesday. Iyer has played 22 ODIs and 32 T20Is for India and has also been an important member of the Delhi Capitals IPL side.
Team India would be without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul for the Kanpur Test. "We are missing a few players but it's a big opportunity for youngsters to prove themselves - this team is all about backing players - now, we are thinking about this series," Rahane said in the PC.
Rahane's own form has been a cause of concern for the team. His performances over a period of two years have been ordinary. On his own form, Rhane said,"I am not concerned about my form, it's not necessary to make a hundred - I always think about the team, even 50 or 60 is important for the team cause."
'We Are Not The Favourites' - Kane Williamson
In another press conference addressed by NZ captain Kane Williamson, he said "I don't think we are the favorites in the Test series - the depth of India cricket is their strength - we know the challenge is a big one and they knows the conditions so well."
India has also rested Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, for the series. The onus of the bowling department would be on Ashwin, Jadeja, Ishan Sharma and Umesh Yadav. In Rahul's and Rohit's absence, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill would be opening the batting for India.