IND vs NZ: Rain threat during first Test; here’s the Bengaluru weather forecast

India are gearing up to face New Zealand in the three-match Test series, starting October 16 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India will be looking to maintain their remarkable home record against the Black Caps, having not lost a Test match to them on Indian soil since 1988. Meanwhile, New Zealand aim to break that streak and script a historic turnaround.

As fans eagerly await the red-ball showdown, there is growing concern over the weather in Bengaluru, which could play a major role throughout the five-day match. With forecasts predicting consistent cloud cover and chances of rain, the possibility of interruptions looms large, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the contest. All eyes will be on the skies as both teams prepare for what could be a rain-affected series opener.

Bengaluru Weather Forecast

The upcoming days in Bengaluru are likely to feature persistent cloud cover, with varying chances of rain and thunderstorms. The forecast indicates frequent overcast conditions, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms, particularly during the afternoon hours. Rainfall probabilities range from moderate to high, with winds remaining generally mild throughout the period.

Detailed Forecast

Day 1: A thick cloud cover with a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon

• Probability of Precipitation: 41%
• Probability of Thunderstorms: 25%
• Wind: 19km/h
• Cloud cover: 100%

Day 2: Considerable cloudiness with a thunderstorm in spots

• Probability of Precipitation: 40%
• Probability of Thunderstorms: 24%
• Wind: 11km/h
• Cloud cover: 100%

Day 3: Cloudy with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm in the afternoon

• Probability of Precipitation: 67%
• Probability of Thunderstorms: 27%
• Wind: 13km/h
• Cloud cover: 100%

Day 4: Mostly cloudy

• Probability of Precipitation: 25%
• Probability of Thunderstorms: 0%
• Wind: 11km/h
• Cloud cover: 100%

Day 5: Cloudy with a thunderstorm in spots

• Probability of Precipitation: 40%
• Probability of Thunderstorms: 24%
• Wind: 4km/h
• Cloud cover: 99%

Also READ: New Zealand announces Ben Sears replacement for the Test series against India

M.Chinnaswamy Stadium Test stats

• Matches Played: 25
• Matches won batting first: 10
• Matches won bowling first: 5
• Average 1st innings scores: 354
• Average 2nd innings scores: 304
• Average 3rd innings scores: 206
• Average 4th innings scores: 174
• Highest total: 626/10 (150.2 Ov) by India vs Pakistan
• Lowest total: 103/10 (38.4 Ov) by Afghanistan vs India

IND vs NZ: Probable playing XI of both teams for the first Test

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (c), Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry

Also READ: IND vs NZ 2024 – India’s best XI for the Test series against New Zealand