NZ vs IND 2022: India’s predicted XI for the first ODI
Sanju Samson is likely to be included in the playing XI.
After the conclusion of the T20I series, it is time for some 50-over cricket as India will take on New Zealand in the first of the three-match ODI series at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. India won the three-match T20I series 1-0 after winning the second game as the first game was abandoned by the rain. Meanwhile, the two teams played a tie in the rain-marred game in the final T20I.
Shikhar Dhawan will lead the Men in Blue in the ODI series as Hardik Pandya has been given a break from the ODI series. While some common names are present in the Indian ODI squad, youngsters like Umran Malik and Kuldeep Sen are also present there. It will be interesting to see India’s combination in the first game as the team is filled with performers.
Meanwhile, in this post, we will take a look at India’s predicted XI for the first ODI against New Zealand.
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill
Skipper Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill are likely to open the batting for India as they did against South Africa as well. It will be a vital series for both batters, more so for Shikhar Dhawan.
The veteran Indian opener had a miserable series with the bat against South Africa as he could only manage 25 runs in 3 matches. However, with the World Cup 2023 scheduled in India, the management is still banking on his experience and his record on Indian pitches. But, given the talent waiting in the ranks, it is time for Shikhar Dhawan to uplift his game or he might fall into the pecking order.
Shubman Gill has done nothing wrong since his introduction to ODI cricket. The Punjab batter has scored runs consistently and will look to do so against the Kiwis as well. Shubman Gill managed 80 runs in 3 matches against South Africa but he looked good every time he came out to bat. He will be itching to turn those starts into big scores against New Zealand.
