India vs New Zealand: Epic Showdown or Crushing Defeat?

India vs New Zealand: Rohit, Kohli, Ashwin Chase Milestones

India is all set to face New Zealand in the first Test match of the series, which is expected to be an enthralling contest. The upcoming Test carries significant importance as three of India’s most prominent cricket stars—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin—are on the cusp of major career milestones. The game, scheduled for October 16, 2024, at Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, is brimming with anticipation as fans eagerly await these personal records that will etch deeper into Indian cricket history.

Rohit Sharma’s Six-Hitting Prowess

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and renowned for his aggressive style, stands just four sixes away from overtaking Virender Sehwag to become India’s leading six-hitter in Test cricket. Rohit Sharma’s 87 sixes in 61 Tests puts him on pace to surpass Virender Sehwag’s record of 90 sixes in 104 Tests. Sharma’s ability to clear the boundary consistently in the longest format has earned him the nickname “Hitman,” and his fans are confident he will break the record during the first Test against New Zealand.

Read more: Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy

Sharma’s captaincy has also brought a refreshing change to the Indian Test team, and his ability to lead from the front has often resulted in exceptional performances. Given his recent form and the fact that India enters the match with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh, it’s almost inevitable that Rohit will eclipse Sehwag’s record early in the first Test, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest Test match players.

Virat Kohli’s Race to 9,000 Runs

Virat Kohli, arguably one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, is just 53 runs shy of reaching 9,000 Test runs. If Kohli reaches this landmark in Bengaluru, he will join an elite group of Indian cricketers that includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli’s impressive average of 48.89 from 115 Tests, combined with 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries, underlines his consistency and hunger for runs.

The milestone would also place Kohli among the top 18 cricketers worldwide to achieve this feat. His current form suggests that reaching the 9,000-run mark is just a matter of when, not if. Kohli’s dedication to the game and his undeniable class make him the ideal candidate to surpass this milestone in a high-pressure match, especially against an opponent like New Zealand, who are no strangers to putting up a fight in Test cricket.

Read more: Virat Kohli vs Asitha Fernando

Ravichandran Ashwin Closing in on Wicket Milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin is another Indian cricketer on the verge of making history. Ashwin, who has been a vital part of India’s bowling attack for over a decade, is just four wickets away from surpassing Nathan Lyon’s 530 wickets and becoming the joint seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

Ashwin’s current tally of 527 wickets from 102 matches has come at an outstanding average of 23.65. With 37 five-wicket hauls under his belt, Ashwin’s ability to deliver match-winning performances remains unparalleled. Fans are hopeful that Ashwin will rise to the occasion in the first Test, securing the wickets required to surpass Lyon and further solidify his place among cricket’s greats.

Ashwin’s record speaks for itself, and the prospect of surpassing Lyon’s wickets tally will surely inspire the off-spinner to give his best in this critical match against New Zealand.

Learn more about R Ashwin 500 Wicket

India’s Momentum and New Zealand’s Challenge

India comes into this match after a dominating 2-0 win against Bangladesh, where the team showcased exceptional all-round performances. New Zealand, on the other hand, enters the series with something to prove, having recently struggled against Sri Lanka. The Blackcaps are familiar with playing in India, but the in-form Indian team, with their star players close to achieving personal milestones, poses a significant challenge.

Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, with its historically spin-friendly pitch, will also add to New Zealand’s challenges. With Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel in the ranks, India’s spin arsenal may prove too strong for the Kiwis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What records are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to break in the 1st Test?

Rohit Sharma is four sixes away from surpassing Virender Sehwag’s record for the most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket. Virat Kohli needs 53 runs to become the fourth Indian to score 9,000 Test runs.

Q2: How many wickets does Ravichandran Ashwin need to surpass Nathan Lyon?

Ravichandran Ashwin requires four more wickets to overtake Nathan Lyon’s tally of 530 wickets and become the joint seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history.

Q3: Where will the 1st Test between India and New Zealand be played?

A: The 1st Test between India and New Zealand will be played at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Q4: What is Rohit Sharma’s current sixes tally in Test matches?

Rohit Sharma has hit 87 sixes in Test matches so far and is just three away from breaking Virender Sehwag’s record of 90 sixes.

Q5: How significant is Kohli’s 9,000 test run milestone?

If Kohli reaches 9,000 Test runs, he will become the fourth Indian and 18th cricketer worldwide to achieve this milestone, a testament to his remarkable career in cricket.