India's predicted line-up for the first ODI against New Zealand
Injuries to several regular batsmen and the selection panel's decision to rest key bowlers ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, at least four to five places have opened up in the Indian team. We take a look at a possible starting XI for Sunday's match at Dharmasala.
Openers
Rohit Sharma
While his inclusion in the Test squad is still in questioned by some people, there is no doubt about his importance in the limited-overs format as India's opener. The Mumbaikar can single-handedly decide the match with his wide range of shots and timing, which will be crucial. Although Mandeep Singh has done well in the Quadrangular series final against Australia A, there is hardly anyone who can seriously challenge Sharma's spot at the top of the batting order.
Ajinkya Rahane
Injuries to KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan has opened the door for Rahane to start the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. His marathon 188 runs innings in the Indore Test will give him more confidence in facing the Kiwi bowlers in the ODI series as well.
Middle Order
Virat Kohli
Most obvious choice for the No.3 position. His ability to pace his innings and shift the gears seamlessly has made him one of the finest limited-overs batsmen in the sport. Also, the Indian vice-captain's fiery form in ODIs makes his selection the more indisputable.
Manish Pandey
With Suresh Raina out of the first ODI due to a viral fever, Manish Pandey could be promoted a place up in the batting order. His match-winning performance in the final of Quadrangular series against Australia A also adds up to his case for a place in the Indian middle-order. Should mostly walk in after the fall of the second wicket.
MS Dhoni
The Indian captain's batting position could just vary depending on the situation of the innings. His ability to attack at the end of the innings while batting first and skill to stem the run flow in case of an early collapse could make him come in at No.4 or No. 5. He could, however, come in sooner after hinting as much in his pre-match press conference.
© GettyHardik Pandya
Although his selection for the ODI series is not at all convincing, given his
Spinners
Jayant Yadav
An uncapped Jayant Yadav could be the wild-card inclusion in the team ahead of the experienced Axar Patel. But the Haryana off-spinner could be handy with the bat as well and his inclusion in the recently concluded Test series against the Kiwis could help his cause.
Amit Mishra
The 33-year old leggie will be the premier spinner for Dhoni in the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Making his return to the One-day side after one year, the seasoned campaigner will look to make his presence felt with his ripping
Pacers
Jasprit Bumrah
With Mohammed Shami rested and Bhuvneshwar Kumar out with an injury, the 22-year old
Dhawal Kulkarni
The Mumbaikar will look to make a statement for his inclusion in the team for the upcoming series against England and for next year's Champions Trophy in England. With 9 wickets in 5 matches for India A in the Quadrangular series, Kulkarni will be expected to be economical and also provide early breakthroughs which he is generally good at.
Umesh Yadav
The 28-year old will have to shoulder the responsibility of spearheading the pace department in the absence of Mohammed Shami. Despite injuries interrupting his rhythm in the limited-overs format, Yadav put up a decent performance on his return in the Test series by picking up 2 wickets on pitches dominated by the spinners.