India on the other hand, who looked firm favourites to play the WTC Final are virtually out of the race now and they'll have to perform exceedingly well against Australia, in Australia to make a case for themselves to play the WTC Final.
The Kiwis undoubtedly got the better of India and adapted to the conditions better, but it was Rachin Ravindra's heroics in the first Test that gave New Zealand the momentum that they needed. The Kiwi youngster who also played for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 scored 134 and 39* runs in the first Test played in Bengaluru. This knock was instrumental in New Zealand winning the first Test in India after 36 years.
Robin Uthappa Expresses Disappointment with Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always been a franchise that has been always known for how they look after their players. The five-time IPL champions have always backed their players and have presented them with opportunities which have allowed them to excel on the cricket field. Prior to the IND vs NZ Test series, Rachin Ravindra trained at the CSK Academy and this decision has left former India player Robin Uthappa fuming.
Rachin Ravindra came and trained at the CSK Academy. Chennai Super Kings is a beautiful franchise and they do look after their players but a line should be drawn. The interest of the country comes ahead of your franchise players, especially when a foreign player like Ravindra is playing against our country', said Robin Uthappa on his YouTube Channel.
India In Trouble Ahead Of Australia Tour
Team India's performance against New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series has been far from satisfactory. New Zealand exposed the Indian batter's inability to play both seam and spin. If India are to give themselves the chance to play the World Test Championship Finals, they will have to beat Australia 4-0 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.