As India gears up for the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, scheduled to start on October 16, weather conditions could become a major concern. The Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in the city over the next few days, which could significantly impact the opening game of the three-match Test series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
On the eve of the match, heavy downpours forced the cancellation of the Indian team’s scheduled practice session, which was set to begin at 11:15 AM. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news, stating, “Team India’s training session is cancelled due to rain.” This comes as part of a wet October, as Bengaluru has already recorded 72mm of rain in the first two weeks of the month—three times the amount recorded in September.
The weather forecast indicates a 70-90% chance of rain on the first two days of the Test, which has raised concerns about a potential washout. Fans are reminded of the recent India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur, where rain wiped out significant portions of play, despite no rainfall on the third day.
Chinnaswamy’s Drainage System Faces a Test
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its top-notch drainage system, which gives it an advantage over other venues like Kanpur. However, with persistent heavy rain expected, the system will face a severe test in maintaining playable conditions.
The weather could not only dampen the excitement for fans but may also affect India’s pursuit of valuable points in the World Test Championship (WTC). India, fresh from a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, needs a clean sweep against New Zealand to strengthen their bid for a spot in the WTC final. A rain-affected match could add pressure on India’s campaign, making the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series in Australia even more crucial.
New Zealand’s Struggles in the Subcontinent
New Zealand arrives in India after two heavy defeats in their series against Sri Lanka. With Tom Latham stepping in as the new Test captain following Tim Southee’s departure, the Black Caps face an uphill challenge on subcontinental pitches, where they’ve historically struggled to secure positive results. Despite this, New Zealand remains a formidable opponent, capable of unsettling any team.
As both teams prepare for the series opener, all eyes will be on the skies in Bengaluru, with cricket fans hoping the weather doesn’t overshadow what promises to be an exciting contest.
