India vs New Zealand 2019, 4th ODI, Hamilton - India's Predicted XI

India, on Monday, clinched the five-match ODI series against New Zealand; courtesy a seven-wicket win in the third ODI at the Bay Oval. Now since, the regular India captain, Virat Kohli is on rest and Rohit Sharma would be leading the team in his absence; we can expect a few changes in the playing XI for the Hamilton ODI. Meanwhile, the match is scheduled for Thursday (January 31st). As of now, Cricket Addictor brings you India’s predicted XI for the following game.

Here is team India’s predicted XI for the Hamilton ODI –

• Rohit Sharma (c)

The stand-in captain for the remaining games on the New Zealand tour, Rohit will be keen on keeping the winning run intact. Not long back only, he had led India to win the Asia Cup 2018. So, knowing how he leads the team, the management will be comfortable with him being at the centre of the helm. Meanwhile, he needs to hit runs off his bat which is pending, as far as NZ ODIs are concerned.

• Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan had the best of starts in the ODI series against New Zealand. In three games, he has collected the most runs amongst both teams, 169 at an average of 84.50. In Virat’s absence, the pressure would be on the opening pair to deliver and do the bulk of the scoring.

• Shubman Gill

The youngster, Shubman Gill could well make his ODI debut in Hamilton. Though there is a high possibility of MS Dhoni returning to the XI, there are no reports of him recovering from the sore hamstring. So in that case, Gill could pave his way in the lineup and bat at number three in the fourth ODI.

• Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has suddenly become the talk of the town. Despite he scoring runs, Rayudu remains on the silver-line every time. After the third ODI at the Bay Oval, Virat lauded his efforts, saying Rayudu scoring runs injects positivity in the dressing room. With just seven ODIs left leading to the 2019 World Cup, the team management will not want to alter with the most sensitive spot in the lineup.

• Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik never left his job in jeopardy, thanks to his consistent performance both with the bat and behind the wickets. In MS’ absence, Karthik has hogged the limelight. Even in the last match, he stuck around with Rayudu and made sure India doesn’t face any hiccups before crossing the line.

• Kedar Jadhav

The unorthodox-player, Kedar Jadhav will be a sure starter in the XI. Over the course, we have seen him delivering the goods, both with the bat and the ball. In two games so far, Kedar has picked two wickets, but more importantly, he hasn’t leaked runs. With him coming in the middle-overs, the pressure gets to build on the opposition.

• Hardik Pandya

The Baroda all-rounder returned to the Indian ODI team in the previous game only. Though he had been out of touch for a while, Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets and grabbed a stunner to boost his confidence. Meanwhile, he is yet to bat, and if he gets a chance, the world knows what he is capable of doing.

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been instrumental for India in the three games thus far. Though he has picked four wickets, he has kept it tight for the batsmen. What stands out for him is his ability to break the opening partnership with seam and swing. Looking at the 2019 World Cup, Bhuvneshwar coming to form is crucial for India.

• Kuldeep Yadav

The highest wicket-taker in the series with eight scalps in three games, Kuldeep Yadav, must be there on the teamsheet. Since he didn’t play all four Tests against Australia, Kuldeep would still be fresh to play the remaining games.

• Khaleel Ahmed

Its been long since Mohammed Shami has got some rest in international cricket. He has been playing regular cricket since December, and with India pocketing the series; he could be given some rest. Also, it would allow the management to check the bench strength further heading into the 2019 World Cup.

• Yuzvendra Chahal

The pair of Kuldeep-Chahal has caused a lot of damage to the opposition in the recent past. In almost every game, either of them had picked up three wickets or more in an inning. Though Yuzvendra Chahal has got six wickets in three games, he is more than capable of depleting the opposition’s batting in a single spell.