India has to find right answers to vexing questions in what could be the decisive third Test, beginning at the VCA ground here on Saturday. The winner takes it all.
The tenacious New Zealand will not be easy to overcome though. The Kiwis, against all odds, have displayed character in the series. They have proved hard to break and have responded to challenges.
However, weather could dictate the course of the duel. It rained here again on Friday afternoon, restricting India's practice in the arena to 30 minutes. More rain has been forecast for Saturday.
The pitch — it has a tinge of grass — is expected to provide reasonable bounce and carry to the bowlers; this also suggests the batsmen would be able to play their strokes. As the match progresses, the surface could favour the spinners.
First strike
Batting first is the right option but there could be additional help for the pacemen due to some moisture on the wicket. Even if the wicket and the square are covered, the pitch has a tendency to absorb moisture from the surrounding areas.
The side taking first strike will have to back itself to survive the first session with minimal damage.
Once again considerable focus will be on Sachin Tendulkar, one short of a phenomenal 50 Test centuries. Will the maestro achieve the feat here?
The home side's batting has to guard against collapses and mini slumps. India should not expect Harbhajan Singh's spirited batting to bail it out time and again.
Both Suresh Raina and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni have been short of runs in recent times. Shot-selection is a critical element of batsmanship.
The team is almost certain to continue with the four-bowler theory. Ishant Sharma for the injured Zaheer Khan is expected to be the lone change in the eleven.
In Zaheer Khan's absence, greater responsibility rests on Harbhajan Singh. Despite limited returns, the experienced off-spinner insists he has been bowling well without being among the wickets.
To be fair on Harbhajan, he has lacked support from the other end; Pragyan Ojha has not inspired confidence. It is pressure from both sides that produces wickets; successful bowling is much about partnerships.
When Anil Kumble was the lead spinner, Harbhajan provided him able support. However, when Harbhajan has slipped into the role of the spearhead, he has not been backed up adequately from the other end.
Missed opportunities
Of course, the close-in cordon needs to be alert. The missed opportunities hurt India in Hyderabad. None more than the let-off by Cheteshwar Pujara at short-leg off Harbhajan's bowling when Brendon McCullum was on 148.
If the cloud cover persists, Santhakumaran Sreesanth could find his natural away swing. And the lanky Ishant Sharma could test the batsmen with bounce and seam movement. Can he re-discover his rhythm quickly following an injury lay-off?
The New Zealand batsmen have displayed greater application in these conditions than the much-hyped Australians earlier in the season. Their performances have been underlined by preparation.
McCullum can be both a dasher and a stayer — the decision to promote him has worked like magic. The left-handed Tim McIntosh has his heart in the right place and Martin Guptill is a positive, elegant batsman at No. 3.
Southpaw Jesse Ryder can unsettle bowlers and the talented Kane Williamson seems to be on the highway to glory. The visitor will be hoping that the strokeful Ross Taylor strikes form in the vital Test.
Skipper Daniel Vettori's left-arm spin of subtle variations, if not biting turn, is the back-bone of the attack. The Kiwis could bring in left-arm paceman Andy McKay — the quickest bowler in the squad — for Brent Arnel. Pace bowling all-rounder James Franklin, another left-armer, is another option. The side needs to get past the Indian tail quickly.
The team: India (from): M.S. Dhoni (captain), V. Sehwag, G. Gambhir, R. Dravid, S. Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, S. Raina, Harbhajan, I. Sharma, P. Ohja, S. Sreesanth, M. Vijay, C. Pujara, A. Mishra, J. Unadkat.
New Zealand (from): D. Vettori (captain), B. McCullum, T. McIntish, M. Guptill, R. Taylor, J. Ryder, K. Williamson, G. Hopkins, T. Southee, I. McKay , C. Martin, J. Franklin, B. Arnel, J. Patel, B.J. Watling,
Umpires: S. Taufel & N. Long; Third umpire: S. Hazare; Fourth umpire: K. Srinath.
Match starts at 9.30 a.m.
