India Faces Crucial WTC Points Challenge as They Aim to Avoid Series Sweep Against New Zealand

The India vs. New Zealand three-match series has taken an unexpected turn, with the visitors leading 2-0 heading into the final Test in Mumbai. While India were expected to dominate at home, it has been a series of firsts for New Zealand, who now have the chance to inflict a rare series sweep over the hosts.

India’s reign at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings is starting to look shaky, and they can ill afford to lose crucial points as they prepare for a tour of Australia. For New Zealand, on the other hand, these two victories have brought them right back into contention for a spot in the WTC final.

Key Factors in the Series

The key for the Kiwis has been their ability to outperform India in all departments. They skittled the hosts for just 46 in Bengaluru and then held firm in the second innings when Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan threatened to take the game away. In Pune, it was the spin of Mitchell Santner that left India’s batters, including the struggling Virat Kohli, with no answers.

“Kohli’s spin woes have only grown in recent times, especially in Asia. Since the start of 2022, he has fallen to spin 16 times in 19 innings in the region, averaging just 29.31. Santner will be tasked with continuing to exploit this weakness on the turning Mumbai pitch.”

Lineup Changes and Expectations

With the series already lost, India might consider resting their premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the Australia tour, potentially bringing in either Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammed Siraj in his place. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged, with Sarfaraz Khan keeping his place.

New Zealand, on the other hand, are likely to welcome back Matt Henry, who missed the Pune Test due to a glute niggle. The rest of the team is expected to be unchanged, with the in-form Mitchell Santner set to play a crucial role once again.

The Mumbai pitch is expected to be a turning track, providing a good challenge for both the spinners and the fast bowlers. The teams will be hoping for a thrilling finale to the series, with India aiming to avoid the blushes of a series sweep, and New Zealand looking to make history.

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