India vs New Zealand | India’s probable XI for Mumbai ODI

10/22/2017

India will aim to continue their winning run from the series against Australia when they take on New Zealand in the first ODI on Sunday in Mumbai. The Kiwis haven’t played a single game since the conclusion of ICC Champions Trophy and could find themselves in deep waters against the World No. 2.

India have opted to exclude the likes of batsman KL Rahul and pacers Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav from the squad as wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik and pacer Shardul Thakur made their way in. In compliance with their rotation policy, Virat Kohli sees some slots up for grabs in his side and many will compete for it in the three-match ODI series.

Openers

Rohit Sharma- Rohit Sharma remains the automatic first choice for the slot after some terrific displays over the last few years. He garnered a mammoth 296 runs against Aussie in the recently concluded series, which explains why the Mumbaikar has been a constant while Dhawan and Rahane have taken turns as his partner. He is expected to have a special innings in front of the local crowd.

Shikhar Dhawan- Dhawan hardly got time to showcase his skills in the T20I series against Australia as both were heavily hampered by rain. The southpaw was unfortunate to miss out the ODI series against Australia as he had to return to his ailing wife. However, he has now returned to the squad and will look forward to capitalize on his brilliant innings in the ICC Champions Trophy and then in Sri Lanka.

Middle-order

Virat Kohli- With South Africa taking over India in the top spot and AB De Villiers taking over him in the World No. 1 place, skipper Virat Kohli will surely have his own targets to chase on Sunday. After a significant knock that helped India go past Australia in the first T20I, he couldn’t repeat the same in Guwahati. He would hope to get things back on track against the Kiwis.

Dinesh Karthik - Manish Pandey has faced a lot of flak over the past few weeks owing to his erratic display against Australia, which has justified India’s decision to bring in the experienced Dinesh Karthik. The Tamil Nadu keeper last played for India in the West Indies series and feels the number 4 position suits him well. He will have to earn it.

MS Dhoni - MS Dhoni has kept proving his worth in the emerging young side time and again over the last few series. His brilliant wicket-keeping mind and some solid knocks in recent matches have prevented the selectors and coaches from taking him out of the side. With him willing to take some time before playing his way, a move up the order would be an ideal decision.

All-rounders

Kedar Jadhav- It was around this time last year that Jadhav had proved his bowling prowess against the Kiwis and announced himself in the international circuit. Though his bowling has been consistent, his batting needs huge improvements and this could be his last series in proving his grit.

Hardik Pandya- The whole nation will be waiting with baited breath when the young hard-hitter takes the pitch against the Kiwis. He has been magnificent against Sri Lanka and Australia, and will be looking to get a century this time and finish things off if and when given the chance.

Spinners-

Kuldeep Yadav- India’s new-found invincibility stems mainly from their awesome pack of bowlers, who have hardly faltered in recent times. Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has proved to be quintessential in recent games and was the biggest threat for Australia on Indian pitches. India are not leaving him behind at any cost.

Yuzvendra Chahal- Two opposite-handed wrist spinners is something every side craves for and India have found them in Yadav and Chahal. Their camaraderie and on-field coordination make India look flawless at times. Though Axar Patel has also been a choice, India are likely to go with the successful duo.

Pace-bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar- India have two of the best death-over bowlers in Bhuvi and Jasprit Bumrah. They have hardly kept a step wrong of late and Kohli would want them to keep it that way in this series. Kumar’s impeccable line and length and yorkers have been India’s biggest weapons.

Jasprit Bumrah- The Mumbai Indian prodigy will surely relish the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd on Sunday. Only one and half year old in the India circuit, Bumrah already sees himself amongst the best in the world.

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