Bounce, movement, NZ fast bowlers: India’s six-hitting phenoms face big test

India's fast bowlers face a significant challenge against New Zealand's six-hitting batsmen. India's selectors have kept the likes of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the team, with Shreyas Iyer stating that it's not an easy task for him to replace the consistent openers. The top-order in India is so strong that Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudharsan have to wait their turn.

India's captain, Shreyas Iyer, and the management wouldn't change a winning formula. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan have displayed a modern approach that has seen India to the World Cup and multiple series victories. However, they have only a single practice session to adapt to the peculiar conditions of New Zealand.

The evenings are windier, nights are chillier, and the sunlight during the day is brighter. The drop-in surfaces, especially in Hagley Park, are quicker and potentially with sideways movement with the new ball. The hosts' bowlers are more demanding than any India have encountered recently. The team needs to adapt their technique, adaptability, courage, common sense, and cricketing wisdom to succeed in New Zealand's conditions.

The team could experiment with less daring batsmen like Shubman Gill, who might fare better in conditions that are becoming increasingly different from India's home grounds. New Zealand's bowlers, such as Bhuvi, may get some assistance from the bounce and sideways movement, making it a challenging tour for India's top-order batsmen.