IND vs NZ: 3 milestones Indian cricketers will eye in the test series

IND vs NZ test series will be played from October 16.

The highly anticipated three-match test series between India and New Zealand is set to kick off on October 16 in Bangalore. New Zealand have a poor record on Indian soil with just two wins to their name. Their last victory in India came back in 1988 in Mumbai when they defeated the hosts by 136 runs.

With the reports suggesting that star batter Kane Williamson is likely to miss the first game due to injury, New Zealand’s challenges have compounded. Kiwis have a monumental task against the formidable spin attack of India consisting of the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

The big series also presents an opportunity for several Indian players who are on the brink of achieving significant milestones in test cricket. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are all closing in on personal achievements that could add another chapter to their careers.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli – one of India’s most celebrated batsmen, is just 53 runs away from reaching a monumental 9000 runs in test cricket. Having played 115 tests with an impressive average of 48.89, Kohli already has 29 hundred and 30 fifties to his name. While his recent form in test cricket hasn’t lived up to the high expectations he’s set for himself, there’s no doubt that Kohli will be hungry to cross this milestone.

The upcoming series provides Kohli with the perfect opportunity to re-establish himself as a dominant force in test cricket. Kohli would be aiming not only to cross the 9000-run mark, but also to add a few centuries to his name as well. Given his class and experience, it’s a milestone that he is certain to achieve in the test series. He will become fourth Indian to cross 9000-run mark in tests if he does so.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s test career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but the upcoming series offers him a chance to cement his place in the team, in his new role as the No. 6 batsman. Rahul has played 53 tests, scoring 2969 runs at an average of 34.52, with eight hundreds and 15 fifties to his name. He is just 31 runs shy of reaching the 3000-run mark in test cricket.

One of Rahul’s main challenges will involve facing the spinners with the old ball. His technique against spin will be put to the test. Rahul would be looking to achieve this milestone early in the all-important test series for India and KL himself.

3. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has quickly earned his name among the best wicket-keeper batters India have produced in test cricket. Known for his fearless approach, Pant has scored 2432 runs in just 35 tests at an excellent average of 44.21. He has scored six hundred and 11 fifties, including some iconic innings both at home and away. Pant is now just 68 runs away from reaching 2500 test runs, and after making a remarkable comeback from injury with a century against Bangladesh, he will be eager to continue his good form.

Pant’s ability to take on both pace and spin makes him a unique asset in the Indian lineup. Given his aggressive style of play, it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets to this milestone in no time. Pant is going to be a decisive factor in the upcoming New Zealand and Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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