After consecutive Test losses to New Zealand, BCCI mandates rigorous training rules for players ahead of the final Test in Mumbai.
After consecutive losses in the first two Tests against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team faces a must-win situation in the upcoming third Test in Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed strict training regulations to ensure optimal performance in the final game of the series.
Following India’s defeats in the Pune and the first Test, the BCCI has enforced mandatory participation in training sessions, scheduled for two days before the match. This directive applies to all players, including senior members such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary actions, underscoring the BCCI's emphasis on preparedness.
With two consecutive Test losses, India's path to the World Test Championship (WTC) finals has become precarious. India needs to win a minimum of four out of their remaining six Tests to secure direct qualification. The final WTC match is scheduled for June next year at Lord’s, London. However, a loss in the upcoming Test would make India dependent on the results of other teams, like New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, who are also vying for WTC spots.
The last time India faced New Zealand in a Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, New Zealand’s spinner Ajaz Patel made history by claiming all 10 wickets in an innings. With this upcoming Test, India's experienced players, such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, aim to bring their best to regain control in the series.
The Indian team management is leaving no room for error in the third Test. While previously, certain players had flexibility in attending training to avoid exhaustion, the recent series of losses has removed these exemptions. The training sessions will now focus on building resilience and refining tactics against New Zealand’s effective bowling lineup.
Should India falter in the final Test, the possibility of entering the WTC finals significantly reduces. If India is eliminated, other contenders like New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa may seize the opportunity to qualify, increasing the pressure on India to maintain consistency.
The upcoming Test in Mumbai represents a critical turning point for the Indian team in the WTC race. With BCCI’s new training mandates and a heightened focus on preparation, fans are hopeful that the Indian team can bounce back in this high-stakes match against New Zealand.
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