The first Test of the series will begin on October 16 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Indian team is coming on the back of back-to-back wins against neighbours, and given the matches will be played in India, the hosts will be confident. On the other hand, New Zealand suffered consecutive defeats against Sri Lanka, and would aim to overturn the result against India. This will be Tom Latham's first assignment after Tim Southee's resignation as Test captain and things couldn't get tougher as India haven't lost a match against their Kiwi rivals in 36 years at home. Statistically, New Zealand have played 35 Tests in India, and have managed to defeat the hosts only twice, once in 1969 and next in 1988. It goes without saying that Latham would want to end the wait of 36 years. Speaking of the Indian squad, the two-time WTC finalists will aim to enter the field with the best possible XI to defeat the Black Caps and further solidify their position in the WTC 2025 finals.