India have started their world test championship in a grand manner. India are yet to lose even a single game after playing 7 games which includes the series triumph in West Indies. India are the #1 side in the longest format for more than 3 years now.
Though India have had their fare share of defeats in the overseas tours, they turned the tables when they created history by defeating the Australians in the tour down under.
Now the Indians have their task cut out when they face the invisible Kiwis in their own backyard in the longest format of the game.
Here we take a look at 3 things that Indians need to experiment in the warm-up game ahead of the all important test series
India should give Gill a go
There has been enough talks around the collosal talent Shubman Gill in the Indian cricket circuit. The stylish and talented batsman from Punjab has been in the form of his life. He has just begun his cricket career but the maturity with which he is playing at the moment is unbelievable.
He keeps the things simple and has a great technique to succeed in all the conditions in all the format. India should give Shubman Gill a go in the warm-up match to assess his temperament ahead of the test series.
Time for Rishabh Pant to prove his batting prowess
It is quite certain that Rishabh Pant will get to bat in the middle after being benched for 10 consecutive games. He did little wrong to be dropped from the team and is experiencing one of the bad treatment from the team management. The southpaw even lost his place to Saha in the test team.
This warm-up game is the last chance for Rishabh Pant to prove what a talent he is and remind the team management that he is the 1st choice wicket-keeper in tests
Inject Navdeep Saini into the already potent bowling attack
The Delhi express has already made his mark in the limited overs format. He is the rare talent who hits in the high 140 Kmph in a consistent manner. India faced a huge blow in Ishant Sharma as he is doubtful for the test series when the veteran got injured during a Ranji trophy game.
India should look to try Saini in the warm-up game as a backup for Ishant Sharma and should observe his performance when he bowls long spells which might be needed at some stage in the test series
The warm-up game is scheduled to happen on February 14th in Hamilton.