The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the team for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand on Sept. 12, Monday. Three Test matches are scheduled to be played, with the first one starting on Sept. 22 at Green Park in Kanpur.
India have been a brilliant Test side under the leadership of Virat Kohli, who has helped his team win series against Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies with decent ease. After a convincing 2-0 win in the Caribbean last month, India will be keen to continue their amazing form in the New Zealand series as well.
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Kohli will captain the side, but there are some selection dilemma which might be discussed in full length when the selectors sit down and decide in Mumbai.
Rohit Sharma, despite been handed chances in the Test side, has not been able to make it count. Hence, his name will surely crop up during the meeting. Cheteshwar Pujara is another batsman, who has not been in good form of late. With Rohit supported by Kohli, the BCCI has a stern decision to make. With players like Manish Pandey and Karun Nair knocking at the selectors' door for some time, they will also have a chance in the Test squad.
Other players like KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane should find a place in the Test squad. But there is some strong competition in the starting XI, which will be a headache for Anil Kumble and co. Wriddhiman Saha, who scored his first hundred in the West Indies, will feature as the wicket-keeper batsman.
The selectors might want to have a closer look on the bowlers for the Test series against New Zealand. Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra and Ravichandran Ashwin should be straight picks for the selectors, while they need to decide on others.
With the Test series in India, Ravindra Jadeja should be picked for his all-round skills while one out of Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Umesh Yadav could find a place in the team.
New Zealand, on the other hand, announced their team last week. The Black Caps have always been a strong team, and will be captained by talented Kane Williamson.
