Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 15, 2024, 07:00 AM
IND vs NZ: All eyes are on the upcoming Test series between India and New Zealand, especially on Virat Kohli. The Indian cricket team recently won a stunning victory in the two-match series against Bangladesh, but Virat Kohli's performance in that series was not that impressive. Unless Virat scores big runs or scores a century, it seems that his old form has not returned. Meanwhile, ahead of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed full confidence in Virat Kohli and backed him.India vs New Zealand: 1st Test in BengaluruThe first match of the Test series between India and New Zealand will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16. Two days before this, head coach Gautam Gambhir interacted with the media and discussed Kohli's current form. Gambhir clearly stated that Virat Kohli is still as hungry as he was before, and he hoped that Kohli will perform big in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against New Zealand and then Australia. He also emphasised on the Indian team's ability, stating that the Indian team is capable of playing according to the situation—be it aggressive cricket or playing patiently by holding wickets.Virat Kohli's century drought: Only two centuries since 2019Talking about Virat Kohli's recent performance in Test cricket, he has scored only two Test centuries since 2019. While many other players have come ahead in this period, England's Joe Root's performance is the most prominent example of this. Joe Root has been in consistently great form and has scored more runs than Kohli. However, Virat has a golden opportunity to prove himself in the coming months, as he has at least eight Test matches ahead of him. This includes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia apart from New Zealand. Kohli is expected to return to his form during this time and spread his batting magic again by scoring a century.India vs New Zealand Series ScheduleThe first match of the series will start from October 16 in Bengaluru. After this, the second match of the series will be played in Pune from October 24. The third and final match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1. Team India has a chance to win all three matches of this series and secure their place in the final of the World Test Championship.There will be pressure on KohliThere will be a lot of pressure on Kohli, as he not only has to return to his old form, but also has to make a significant contribution to the team. His lack of big innings and centuries remains a topic of discussion, and with every match the expectations from him are increasing. Indian cricket fans and coaching staff, all hope that Virat Kohli will return with his best performance in this series.This series against a strong team like New Zealand will be a big challenge for the Indian team, and Virat Kohli's form can play an important role in this challenge.