Persistent Rain Delays Start of India vs New Zealand Test in Bengaluru

The start of the first Test between India and New Zealand has been delayed due to relentless rain, leaving the pitch still covered and the weather forecast looking bleak. Despite the gloomy conditions, the ground’s modern subsurface aeration system offers hope that play could resume swiftly once the rain subsides.

India may need to channel the same determination they showed in Kanpur, where they dominated Bangladesh, even after losing nearly three days to rain. Currently leading the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, India are also eyeing the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but the rain in Bengaluru is set to turn this series into a fresh challenge of their adaptability.

For New Zealand, this match is the conclusion of a challenging two-month stint in Asia. After a rain-affected match against Afghanistan and a series loss to Sri Lanka, they arrive in Bengaluru missing key player Kane Williamson. The Blackcaps face a significant challenge, as no visiting team has won a Test in India for over a decade.