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The third and final Test between India and New Zealand, a dead rubber following New Zealand's historic series victory, carries significant implications for India's World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hopes. India's recent struggles against New Zealand's spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner, have cast a shadow over the team's performance, with their batting order struggling to adapt to the turning tracks. The series defeat in Pune, coupled with a lack of confidence in facing spin, has put pressure on India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, to find a solution before the crucial tour of Australia.
The third Test presents an opportunity for New Zealand to complete a whitewash, a feat previously unimaginable. Their spinners, led by Santner, have proven effective against India's star-studded batting line-up, and the Wankhede Stadium's anticipated pitch conditions suggest a continuation of their dominance. India's batters, including several experienced players, are facing pressure to improve their defense against spin, with the team's overall approach seemingly lacking the necessary resilience to combat the Kiwi spinners' mastery. Despite the series being decided, India's motivation stems from the need to secure victories in the remaining Tests to maintain their WTC final qualification hopes.
India's reliance on its spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, is crucial to its chances of winning the Wankhede Test. Historically, these spinners have performed well at the Wankhede, with Ashwin claiming 38 wickets in five matches and Jadeja securing six wickets in his sole Test appearance there. However, the team's focus on maintaining Jasprit Bumrah's freshness for the Australian tour has led to his resting for this match, placing greater responsibility on the spin duo to deliver a strong performance. The outcome of the Wankhede Test holds significant implications for India's WTC aspirations and potentially its overall confidence heading into the challenging Australian tour.
Source: IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: India takes on New Zealand in dead rubber with WTC final qualification at risk