India vs New Zealand: In-form Virat Kohli in focus as World No. 1 New Zealand face stern check in ODIs

India vs New Zealand: Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have alternatives to audition for middle-order roles as India look to increase their dominant run at residence in ODIs. The two groups meet within the first of a 3-match collection in Hyderabad on Wednesday, January 18.

In-form Kohli in focus as World No. 1 New Zealad face powerful India problem (PTI Photo)

By Akshay Ramesh: After steamrolling Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma’s India will look to dominate World No. 1 ODI facet New Zealand who’ve arrived in India for a 3-match collection, beginning January 18 in Hyderabad. India have an envious residence document, having not confronted defeat within the ODI collection at residence since March 2019. The 2-time world champions would need that streak to increase as they head into the ODI World Cup at residence later this 12 months.

India started the New Year, outclassing a visiting Sri Lankan facet as they bounced again from a 2-1 defeat in Bangladesh in December final 12 months. A stiffer check in opposition to New Zealand would be the very best platform to check their mettle and sharpen the areas which want work. For New Zealand, going through one of many powerhouses of world cricket with out their ‘Big 3’ — Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult can be the perfect check to evaluate their bench energy within the World Cup 12 months.

IND v NZ, 1st ODI: Predicted XIs

New Zealand are heading to India after beating Pakistan 2-1 in January. It was additionally their first ODI collection win within the sub-continent since 2008. And the younger facet, led by Tom Latham, might be hoping to spring a number of surprises, taking a number of classes from Litton Das-led Bangladesh facet.

India’s top-order seems sorted with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma firing on the prime and with double centurion Ishan Kishan ready within the wings. A highway again for Shikhar Dhawan seems harder than ever.

The largest constructive from the collection in opposition to Sri Lanka was Virat Kohli’s type as the previous captain showcased glimpses of his classic self, hitting 2 a whole bunch in 3 matches.

Kohli has scored 3 ODI a whole bunch in his final 4 innings, which is a deviation from his lean patch whereby he appeared good however did not sew constant knocks collectively.

Having damaged Sachin Tendulkar’s document for many a whole bunch at residence in ODIs, Kohli might be eyeing extra data within the upcoming collection in opposition to New Zealand, which is one in every of his favourite oppositions.

Kohli has amassed 1378 runs in 26 matches at a median of 59.91 and a strike charge of 94.64. He has hit 5 a whole bunch and eight fifties in opposition to New Zealand in ODI cricket.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ISHAN, SURYA

Meanwhile, it’s a high-quality alternative for Ishan Kishan to audition for the wicketkeeper-batter’s position within the middle-order in KL Rahul’s absence. Ishan hit a double hundred in his final ODI knock (in opposition to Bangladesh in December 2022) however he was not picked for the ODIs in opposition to Sri Lanka.
While Shubman Gill appears to have cemented his spot on the prime as Rohit’s opening accomplice, Ishan has a chance to show his versatility and adaptability.

“Kishan will be batting in the middle order and I am glad he could get a run here after that fine knock in Bangladesh,” captain Rohit mentioned on the eve of the ODI in Hyderabad.

Suryakumar Yadav, who’s but to dwell as much as expectations in ODI cricket, will get one other alternative within the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who was dominated out attributable to a again damage. While Surya is unlikely to take Iyer’s place, a very good collection in opposition to New Zealand will assist him be within the combine.

NO KUL-CHA?

On the opposite hand, India have loads of choices to select from within the spin-bowling line-up regardless of the absence of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja (damage).

While enjoying each Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in ODIs for the primary time since July 2021 is an choice, Rohit hinted that the staff is seeking to lengthen their batting unit.

Washington Sundar or Shahbaz Ahmed is more likely to pair up with one of many two wrist-spinners.

Shardul Thakur has additionally been introduced again to the ODI squad, which additionally has vice-captain Hardik Pandya because the first-choice fast-bowling all-rounder.

“You want to play your best XI at the end of the day. Number eight and nine is going to be a challenge for us, someone who can bat at that point. That is why we got Shardul in, he can give us that edge at number eight,” Rohit mentioned.

IND v NZ, 1st ODI SQUAD

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.

Published On:

Jan 17, 2023