IND vs NZ: Test series – Five players to watch out for

As the T20I series between India and New Zealand ended in a whitewash of the visitors, the two teams will now look forward to the two-match Test series which begins today (November 25). The series will be a part of the World Test Championship and it will also be an opportunity for India to get back after the loss in the WTC 2021 final. Here are 5 players to watch out for in the IND vs NZ Test series:

5) Mayank Agarwal

The Karnataka player had made an entry to the Indian Test team on the back of some high-scoring seasons in domestic cricket. Despite a high batting average of 45.74 in his 14 Tests, Agarwal finds himself out of the first XI. But a rest for Rohit Sharma allows him to get another chance of adding something more to his superb record at home. He is also expected to open with KL Rahul, his close mate, who grabbed the opportunity in England when Mayank was ruled out of the first Test just a couple of days before the start.

4) Wriddhiman Saha

The wicketkeeper batter played his last Test against Australia last year in Adelaide. Since then, he has spent a lot of time on the sidelines while Rishabh Pant has seen a rise in his chips at the international level. At 37, there isn’t a lot of time left in his international career. In fact, considering India’s FTP, this could be his last or second last season. Saha is undoubtedly brilliant with the gloves and would want to take this opportunity with both his hands.

3) Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin spent the entire England series on the benches while fans kept waiting to see him again in the whites. After starting 2021 with some excellent performances against England at home, he was expected to repeat the feat in England as well. He would cherish a comeback in the longer format after recently making a return in T20Is after four years. Interestingly, his best numbers are against New Zealand with an average of 16.33. He is also just four wickets away from going past Harbhajan Singh’s tally of Test wickets.

2) Rachin Ravindra

The 22-year-old Indian origin player has an interesting story. He was named after Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar (Ra from Rahul and chin from Sachin). Everyone who has watched him so far has admitted that he is a special talent. Apart from being a good batter, he is also a very handy spinner, who will be quite useful on the Indian pitches.

1) Ajaz Patel

Another player of Indian origin who will be an exciting property heading into this Test series. In the past year, he has impressed everyone with his bowling. In fact, in his ventures on the Asian pitches, he has done quite a decent job with the ball. He should enjoy bowling on the Indian pitches and he will pose a threat to the Indian batters if he manages to maintain his balance.