Bengaluru weather to affect India's XI selection for 1st Test against NZ as Bumrah, Siraj's partner poses challenge for Rohit, Gambhir

Additionally, this series will serve as valuable preparation for India before they embark on their highly anticipated tour to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India holds the upper hand in this series for several reasons. They currently hold the world record for winning 18 consecutive home Test series, have not lost a Test match since the 2012-13 season, and New Zealand does not have a strong track record in subcontinent conditions. However, New Zealand will be looking to fine-tune their team combination and get their preparations in order as they gear up for the upcoming match.

India have a very settled batting order after their successes against Bangladesh. Captain Rohit Sharma will lead and open, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will look to continue his blistering form in Test cricket so far.

Shubman Gill is gradually figuring out the demands of the number three position, and will have plenty of support with Virat Kohli at number four right behind him. Rishabh Pant seems to have been set as the long-term number five for the Indian team, his ability to counter-attack against spin and pace alike making him a dangerous proposition.

KL Rahul is the number six in this lineup, but India might consider Sarfaraz Khan after his terrific Irani Cup performance as well. However, India will likely persist with the incumbent and more experienced Rahul.

R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are a formidable combination as spin-bowling all-rounders in home conditions and will be present in the team. India’s biggest decision will be to make between a third spinner and a third pacer. Kuldeep Yadav will be a consideration, but so will Axar Patel, with his added ability with the bat.

Akash Deep was impressive with the ball against Bangladesh, and favourable conditions for pace might make him a likely choice to support Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah once again. As the third seamer in the squad, added experience in the Test format might be useful for Akash Deep before the tour to Australia. The Bengaluru weather - there is heavy rain forecast for the first two days of the Test match, may have a role to play in India's selection too, as the ball tends to do a lot at the Chinnaswamy in overcast conditions.

India likely playing XI for first Test against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj