New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bat first in the third test against India in Mumbai.India is looking to secure a consolation victory which comes after the team experienced a home Test series defeat for the first time in 12 years.
The match also marks India’s last Test before heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series scheduled for November, December, and January. A loss in this match would mean India suffers three defeats in a home Test series for the first time since 1983.
After losing their first home series in 12 years, India need to win the Wankhede Test to remain in contention for a slot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. With six Tests remaining in the 2023-25 cycle, two-time runner-up India will need to win at least four more to have another crack at the WTC trophy.
