[In Pictures] Rohit Sharma assesses Chinnaswamy pitch after Day 1 of 1st IND vs NZ 2024 Test gets washed out due to rain

Captain Rohit Sharma assessed the pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru after Day 1 of the first Test between India and New Zealand was abandoned due to continuous rain. The covers were removed after Stumps, and Rohit, along with some of the support staff, came to evaluate the pitch.

The hosts come into this rubber on the heels of a clean sweep against Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. The series against New Zealand is crucial for India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Here are some pictures of Rohit inspecting the Chinnaswamy pitch:

Meanwhile, in an official update from the BCCI, the toss is set to take place at 8:45 AM on Day 2, with play scheduled to begin at 9:15 AM—15 minutes earlier than usual.

However, the weather does not appear promising. According to AccuWeather, there is a 40% chance of rain, with complete cloud cover expected in the morning and afternoon.

Rohit Sharma has a decent record against New Zealand in Tests

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma boasts a solid record against New Zealand in Test cricket. The 37-year-old has played six Tests against the Black Caps, having scored 424 runs at an average of 53, including four half-centuries.

Furthermore, Rohit has excelled on home soil. He has amassed 2,444 runs in 31 matches at an average of 56.83, with seven fifties and 10 centuries to his name.

However, he faced challenges against Bangladesh, managing only 42 runs across four innings in two Tests. The Mumbai cricketer will be keen to return to form and make significant contributions with the bat.

Rohit’s performance will be crucial for India’s success as they host New Zealand for a three-match series, followed by a five-match away series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Overall, he has played 61 Tests for India, amassing 4,179 runs at an average of 43.98, including 17 fifties and 12 centuries.