ICC World Cup 2019 | India's predicted XI for game against New Zealand
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In a battle between the only two unbeaten sides in the tournament, India have a chance to show what they are truly made of. While the absence of Shikhar Dhawan adds an extra twist to the game, the winner will put themselves in prime position to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup.
Openers
Rohit Sharma : With Dhawan sitting out, the onus will well and truly be on India’s 45. He has looked in sublime form so far in England with knocks of 122* and 57. His record against New Zealand is well below his lofty standards but today might just be the day when he rights the wrongs.
KL Rahul : What a 2019 he is having! After the entire Koffee with Karan controversy, it appeared his World Cup dreams were over. But a good IPL not only allowed him to make his way into the squad but into the No. 4 spot - where he had last played almost a year ago - as well. Now with Dhawan out, he has a chance to make the spot is own considering India might be on the lookout for a new opener in the near future.
Middle-order
Virat Kohli (C) : The most difficult pick I had to make in this piece. Eventually, I decided to settle for Kohli. With a career average of a mere 59.47, all his flaws will be hidden in this supremely talented batting lineup.
Vijay Shankar : This could have been a tricky one considering the class of the opposition but when your batting coach cannot remember the names of the other players in contention for the No. 4 spot, you are all but guaranteed a start. Fingers crossed, he does well!
MS Dhoni (WK): Another really tricky pick! Luckily for Dhoni, Rahul was pushed to an opening spot which allows him a chance of making it into the playing XI.
All-rounders
Hardik Pandya : No sarcasm on this one! I am really happy for him. After all he went through in the last six months - the hate, the trolls, the constant chatter in the tabloids - to come back and show the world what you are truly capable of is the true mark of a champion. For all cricket fans outside India - to me, his comeback is just as impressive as that of a Warner or Smith.
Kedar Jadhav : He hasn’t had too much to do with the bat or ball so far. But his time will soon arrive and every Indian fan would hope that this pocket dynamo will come good. With the pacers in a supreme form so far, it is unlikely that Jadeja can get the nod as a proper all-rounder in front of Jadhav.
Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar : Coming into the World Cup as the third seamer in most people’s eyes, Bhuvenshwar Kumar has just gone into beast mode. Such has been his impact that statistically he has been a better bowler than his partner in crime - Jasprit Bumrah.
Kuldeep Yadav : A wonderful outing against South Africa was followed by a sub-par performance against Australia. Luckily for him, or unluckily for Jadeja, he has already built such a reputation that he cannot be dropped from the team. But another couple of indifferent performances might force Kohli and the management’s arm.
Yuzvendra Chahal : Another player who has just come out of box flying. After his four-wicket haul against South Africa, he bagged a brace against Australia. However, his economy rate of 5.6 and the fact that the match is in Trent Bridge made me consider Jadeja in his place. Eventually though, it was impossible to leave him out based on his current form.
Jasprit Bumrah : I can’t imagine what oppositions fans think of him. He is the best limited-overs bowler in the world. Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, and Rashid Khan are all great in their own right, but this guy is just special.
