India's stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane has made a big announcement about the playing XI ahead of first Test at Green Park, Kanpur against New Zealand. In the pre-match press conference, Rahane has revealed that Shreyas Iyer will make his Test debut in the first Test of two-Test series. The stand-in skipper has not revealed Iyer's batting position. However, the 26-year-old is likely to bat at no.5 or no.6.
“KL Rahul getting out is a big blow for us. Shreyas Iyer will make his debut tomorrow, right now I’m not sure about his batting position,” Rahane told reporters in the virtual press conference.
In addition, when asked about the pitch and the absence of key players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, Rahane said that it will be a great opportunity for the youngsters and the team is happy with the conditions in Kanpur.
“We are happy with the pitch and the series will be a good opportunity for youngsters in the side. Captaining India is always a pride,” the 33-year-old answered a Sports Tak query in the press conference.
Furthermore, the Test specialist seemed ecstatic with the dressing room’s atmosphere under new head coach Rahul Dravid.
“Rahul Dravid treats everyone equally, he backs players and motivates those who are down. Everyone is excited to play under him,” the veteran added.
The two giants' last meet in the longest format was in the World Test Championship (WTC) final earlier this year. The BlackCaps had beaten Kohli-led India by eight wickets to clinch their first International Cricket Council (ICC) title. Speaking on the opportunity to avenge the WTC defeat, the stand-in Indian skipper said that the conditions in Kanpur are different when compared to Southampton.
“Nothing like revenge, conditions here is different than Southampton, we will just try to play our best game,” Rahane concluded.
