IMAGES from Day 4 of the first Test played between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, on Saturday.
India has only minor concerns, but New Zealand's troubles across batting and bowling departments are more pronounced.
Kamindu Mendis maintained his red-hot form and struck a majestic 114 to power Sri Lanka to 302/7 on the opening day of the first Test.
Kyle Jamieson also returns to the squad after back surgery in February in a pace attack which includes captain Tim Southee and Matt Henry, who has recovered from injury.
Tim Southee is eyeing the third Test against England as his swan song in the format but will make himself available for selection if the Black Caps make the WTC final next year.
Kane Williamson is a doubt for the Test series against India due to a groin injury sustained in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand will have to keep India under pressure for the rest of the first Test to emerge on the right side of the result.
Sri Lanka put themselves in a good position on the third day of the opening Test against New Zealand after Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal made half-centuries but the hosts lost some of their momentum to reach 237-4 at stumps in Galle on Friday.
Tom Latham and Kane Williamson led New Zealand's fightback with sparkling half-centuries as the Black Caps reached 255-4 on the rain-hit second day of their opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle
While Herath has been appointed for Tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as New Zealand's spin bowling coach, Rathour will be with the Kiwi side only for the contest against Afghanistan.
Off-spinner Nishan Peiris picked up a six-wicket haul on debut as Sri Lanka crushed New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs.
Australian quick Josh Hazlewood expressed that India's rare series whitewash at home to New Zealand could "awaken a sleeping giant" as they prepare to take on the ICC World Test Championship table-toppers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from November 22 onwards.
The ticket prices will remain same as the previous rates for the upcoming third Test of the India versus New Zealand series to be played here from November 1-5, the Mumbai Cricket Association has said.
Mitchell Santner played through the pain barrier as New Zealand secured their maiden series win in India going back to 1955 and the left-arm spinner said picking up wickets regularly in the second test had helped him persevere.
Washington lifted the gloom with a couple of unplayable deliveries that castled Ravindra and Tom Blundell (3) in a 10-minute spell before tea.
While this may not secure qualification outright, it would certainly keep them in contention. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead drew inspiration from the inaugural WTC cycle in 2019-21, when New Zealand won six consecutive matches enroute to securing the title.
India were still staring at a daunting challenge despite a much more assured performance in their second innings, trailing by 125 runs at the close with Sarfaraz Khan on 70 not out after Virat Kohli fell for the same score on the day's final ball.
Woeful India dismissed for 46 as New Zealand pacers run riot
A spectacular seven-wicket haul by Mitchell Santner helped New Zealand dismiss India for 156 before the tourists reached 198-5 at stumps on day two of the second test in Pune on Friday to tighten their grip on the three-match series.
There was plenty of action over the last 12 months that kept the loyal Indian fan interested.
A first ever series loss at home to New Zealand notwithstanding, India still have the "wood on us" while playing on turning wickets, said Kiwis spinner Ajaz Patel in Mumbai on Wednesday.
'Firstly, I had this fear... personally I had thought that I won't lose a series in India as long as I am playing. But that too has happened.'
India will look for the right balance as they aim for a series-levelling victory against a spunky New Zealand in the must-win second Test.
A turner in Pune exposed the soft underbelly of Indian batters' technique against slow bowling but as per the current team's philosophy, it has decided to take the bull by its horns by asking for a turner where the ball might turn at right angles from first hour.
IMAGES from the Day 1 of the third Test played between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday
IMAGES from Day 3 of the 1st Test played between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, on Friday.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand?
'They need batters who can bat out a full session in Australia.' 'You have seniors like Pujara and Rahane, who are scoring runs in domestic cricket. They have experience of Australian conditions too.' 'They should be given a chance to make a comeback, no harm in trying especially when your batting line-up is not even lasting a full session.'
New Zealand can become only the second team to inflict a series whitewash on India in their backyard.
IMAGES from Day 2 of the 1st Test played between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, on Thursday.
For India, the biggest disappointment was the poor showing of their senior most players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Former captain Kane Williamson, batsman Tom Blundell and quick Kyle Jamieson, who all have hamstring issues, were selected despite doubts over their fitness.
Najmul Hossain Shanto produced a captain's hundred and forged two significant partnerships to put Bangladesh in a commanding position in the opening Test against New Zealand in Sylhet on Thursday.
Bangladesh are looking to complete a sweep after winning the opening match of the two-Test series by 150 runs in Sylhet.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy made 86 and collaborated in two half-century partnerships to help Bangladesh finish day one of the first Test against New Zealand on 310-9 in Sylhet on Tuesday.
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel became only the third bowler in Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings, during Day 2 of the second and final Test against India in Mumbai on Saturday.
New Zealand left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who took all 10 wickets in an innings during the second and final Test against India in Mumbai, gifted the 'Perfect 10' ball to the Mumbai Cricket Association for their upcoming museum.
India were 69 runs for the loss of no wickets at the end of the second day's play with a total lead of 332 runs.
Spin great Anil Kumble congratulated New Zealand's Ajaz Patel, who matched the Indian's feat of taking all 10 wickets in an innings in Test cricket.
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