Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan, who sparked controversy after being dropped from the team despite scoring a world record double century, is expected to feature in the playing XI for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
The unavailability of KL Rahul due to personal reasons opens up the space for Kishan but he may not be asked to open during the three-match series starting here on Wednesday.
what: India v New Zealand, 1st ODI
When: January 18, 2023, Wednesday.
Where: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad
india news
Kishan had to sit out the Sri Lanka series despite scoring the fastest double century in ODI history against Bangladesh in the previous series.
Shubman Gill, who was rewarded for his consistency and was selected ahead of Kishan to open with captain Rohit Sharma, made the most of the opportunities in the Sri Lanka series with scores of 70, 21 and 116.
No change is expected in the opening combination against the Black Caps but Rahul’s unavailability means Kishan is expected to keep wicket.
Kishan has batted in the middle order thrice in the 10 ODIs he has played, so adjustment should not be an issue.
KS Bharath, who is the other wicket-keeper in the team, is likely to warm the bench as he is more of a cover in Rahul’s absence.
one in World Cup year, every game counts and India will be aiming to build on profits from the Sri Lanka series, even though their opponents’ performances were lackluster to say the least.
The big takeaway for India from the Sri Lanka series was the performance of the top three and Mohammed Siraj’s ability to take wickets with the new ball.
Read also: Tom Latham confirms senior spinner’s unavailability for series opener
Like Gill and Virat Kohli, Rohit too looked in sublime touch with scores of 83 and 42 but would be looking to score a big hundred which has eluded him for some time now.
Kohli, however, is back to scoring hundreds at will and looks hungrier than ever for runs, which should set alarm bells ringing in the New Zealand camp.
Shreyas’ absence could prove to be a boon for ‘Sky’
,
While he was one of India’s steady batsmen in ODIs in 2022, Shreyas Iyer failed to convert his starts in three matches as scores of 28, 28 and 38 and to make matters worse, the middle-order batsman has now been taken out. three-match series against New Zealand due to a back injury.
In Iyer’s absence, the indomitable Suryakumar Yadav will get at least three chances to cement his place in the team. Surya and Hardik Pandya in the middle order will definitely add firepower at the back-end.
Rajat Patidar, who plays for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, has been named as Iyer’s replacement for the rubber against the visiting team. Patidar has been a part of the ODI team for the last few series before this.
Will Kul-cha get back together or will Shahbaz be in sight
,
Apart from Rahul, Axar Patel has also been given a break for the series and could be replaced by Shahbaz Ahmed in the eleven.
It remains to be seen whether the team management gives Shahbaz a chance or brings in Washington Sundar, who can do the job against the left-handers in the New Zealand camp.
India have so far preferred to field one finger and one wrist spinner in the playing XI, leaving them to choose between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who have provided much-needed support in the middle overs in the two matches against Sri Lanka. Provided wickets.
Whether Kuldeep and Chahal can be played together like it used to be five years ago or the team management decides otherwise remains to be seen.
Chahal did not play after the first ODI due to shoulder pain but should be available for selection for the series-opener.
Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Umran Malik will be the specialist fast bowlers in the team while Hardik Pandya will be the all-rounder.
new zealand news
,
Although New Zealand are without the services of star players Kane Williamson and Tim Southee for the series, the hosts will be at their best to wow the visitors.
Stand-in-captain Tom Latham played a blistering role the last time the two teams met in an ODI.
The team is coming after the series against Pakistan in Karachi.
Opener Finn Allen, who was not at his destructive best in Karachi, would look to attack the Indian bowlers.
The hosts need to find a way to contain the belligerent Glenn Phillips, who single-handedly powered New Zealand to a decisive win against Pakistan despite being half-fit.
Squad:
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Finn Allen, Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.
The match will start at 1.30 pm.
get the latest cricket news, the schedule And cricket live score Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)