New Zealand is gearing up for a crucial three-match Test series against India, but their campaign has already been hit by a major setback. Star batter Kane Williamson is at risk of missing the series due to a groin injury sustained during the second Test against Sri Lanka. With Williamson being the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, his absence will be a significant blow, especially given the team’s current form and need for results. New Zealand is in a precarious position in the World Test Championship (WTC), with their chances of reaching the final hanging by a thread.

Having suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Sri Lanka in their recent series, New Zealand is now left with just six Test matches to turn their fortunes around. They need to win all six to improve their win percentage to 64% and have a shot at securing a place in the WTC final. This puts immense pressure on the team, especially against a formidable Indian side.

Here’s a look at the predicted playing XI for New Zealand as they aim to keep their WTC hopes alive:

1. Tom Latham (Captain)

Tom Latham, New Zealand’s experienced opener, will step in as captain in Williamson’s absence. Known for his solid technique and ability to play long innings, Latham is a key player at the top of the order. With 5518 runs in 82 Test matches at an average of 39.4, including 13 centuries and 29 fifties, Latham will be tasked with not only leading the side but also providing a strong start against India’s potent bowling attack. His leadership and experience will be crucial in steadying a side that has faced recent challenges.

2. Devon Conway

Devon Conway has been a revelation for New Zealand in all formats, and his transition to Test cricket has been seamless. A reliable left-handed opener, Conway has already amassed 1588 runs in just 22 Test matches at an average of 39.7, with 4 centuries and 9 fifties. His ability to adapt to different conditions and play both aggressive and defensive cricket makes him a crucial figure in New Zealand’s top order. Conway will be expected to anchor the innings and provide stability in the absence of Williamson.

3. Will Young

With Kane Williamson likely to miss the series, Will Young will step in to replace him at No. 3. Young has had a mixed start to his Test career, having played 16 matches and scoring 717 runs at an average of 26.55. While his numbers do not reflect his potential, Young has shown flashes of brilliance, and this series presents a golden opportunity for him to establish himself in the side. Young will need to shoulder the responsibility of filling Williamson’s shoes and delivering consistent performances against a challenging Indian bowling attack.

4. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra has quickly made a name for himself in international cricket, and his versatility as both a batter and bowler makes him a valuable asset. In 9 Test matches, Ravindra scored 672 runs, including a century and 3 fifties, while also contributing 10 wickets. Ravindra’s all-round skills give New Zealand much-needed balance, especially in subcontinental conditions where his left-arm spin could prove handy. His ability to play spin well will also be crucial in tackling India’s spinners.

5. Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell has been one of New Zealand’s standout performers in recent years, consistently contributing with the bat in the middle order. In 25 matches, Mitchell has scored 1687 runs at an impressive average of 46.9, including 5 centuries and 11 fifties. His ability to counterattack and play long innings will be vital for New Zealand, particularly in the middle overs when they need someone to stabilize or accelerate the innings. Mitchell’s knack for playing crucial knocks under pressure will be key in keeping New Zealand competitive.

6. Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper)

Tom Blundell has grown into his role as New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batsman, and his contributions with both gloves and bat have been invaluable. In 34 matches, Blundell has scored 1872 runs at an average of 36, with 4 centuries and 11 fifties. His ability to bat in the lower middle order and provide stability will be crucial, especially if New Zealand’s top order fails to fire. As a wicketkeeper, Blundell will also play a vital role in managing the bowlers, particularly the spinners, on Indian tracks.

7. Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips brings a dynamic element to New Zealand’s lower middle order with his aggressive style of play. In 9 Test matches, Phillips has scored 497 runs at an average of 35.5 and has also taken 22 wickets with his off-spin. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the lineup. Phillips’ aggressive batting can change the course of a game, especially in the second half of an innings, while his part-time bowling offers New Zealand an additional option.

8. Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner provides depth to New Zealand’s lineup with his all-round abilities. In 28 Test matches, Santner has scored 904 runs at an average of 24, including 1 century and 3 fifties, while also taking 54 wickets. Santner’s left-arm spin will be critical in Indian conditions, where spinners tend to play a dominant role. His ability to bowl economically and pick up crucial wickets will be crucial in applying pressure on India’s batters. Additionally, his contributions with the bat lower down the order give New Zealand more balance.

9. Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel will be New Zealand’s frontline spinner in this series, especially after his historic performance against India, where he took 10 wickets in an innings. In 18 Test matches, Patel has taken 70 wickets, and his ability to exploit turning conditions makes him a key player. Patel’s experience of playing in India and his ability to bowl long, economical spells will be crucial in containing India’s strong batting lineup. His accuracy and skill in getting turned on even the slightest assistance from the pitch will be pivotal to New Zealand’s chances.

10. Tim Southee

Tim Southee, New Zealand’s most experienced pacer, will lead the bowling attack in this series. With 382 wickets in 102 matches, Southee has been a consistent performer for the Black Caps over the years. His ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl in challenging conditions makes him a threat to any batting lineup. Southee’s experience will be vital in guiding the younger bowlers, and his knack for picking up early wickets will be key in putting India on the back foot.

11. William O’Rourke

William O’Rourke is a rising star in New Zealand’s pace department and will be looking to make an impact in the absence of some senior bowlers. In 4 Test matches, he has taken 19 wickets, showing his potential as a strike bowler. O’Rourke’s ability to bowl with pace and bounce will be a useful weapon in Indian conditions, where seamers often need to work harder to extract results. He will be looking to capitalize on any assistance from the pitch and provide support to Tim Southee in leading the pace attack.

New Zealand’s predicted playing XI for the India series features a well-balanced lineup, combining experienced players and emerging talents. With Kane Williamson’s likely absence, the team will be under immense pressure to perform and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive. The team’s success will hinge on its ability to adapt to the challenging Indian conditions, especially with the spinners playing a crucial role. Captain Tom Latham will be tasked with leading a side that is not only looking to win but also to salvage their WTC campaign by securing victories against one of the toughest teams in world cricket.