New Zealand vs India 2019, 1st ODI, Napier – India’s Predicted XI

Indian National Cricket team have been in a good frame of mind following their recent bilateral series win against Australia in Down Under. And now, they will look to carry on the momentum when they tour from Australia to New Zealand.

India will look to start their tour when they clash on the Kiwis in the first of the five-match series starting from January 23 (Wednesday) at Napier. Virat Kohli & Co will be high on confidence with MS Dhoni hitting the right chords with the bat. However, with their no 4 spot open for grabs, Shubman Gill will get a go and the young batsman will look to make a mark for himself.

On the bowling front, the management is likely to retain the same team that played the last ODI against Australia.

Here is the predicted XI for Indian National Cricket team for the first ODI against New Zealand :

ROHIT SHARMA

Rohit Sharma has got starts in the recently concluded series but has failed to convert them. The Mumbai batsman will look hit the right chords with the ICC World Cup in view.

SHIKHAR DHAWAN

Shikhar Dhawan has gone through a lean patch in the three-match series against Australia. However, the southpaw will be desperate to hit the form and provide the Indian National Cricket team with good starts.

VIRAT KOHLI (C)

The Indian skipper has been their leading run-scorer across the formats over the last few years. However, he has blown hot and cold in the recent series and will aim to score big once again.

SHUBMAN GILL

The young Shubman Gill is likely to make his debut for the Indian National Cricket team after a strong stint in the domestic circuit. Meanwhile, this will be a learning curve for the young batsman revolving around some of the world-class stars.

MS DHONI

MS Dhoni has finally hit the right strides scoring three back to back half-centuries against Australia. This will be a massive advantage for the management ahead of the ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

KEDAR JADHAV

Kedar Jadhav played a match-winning knock in the series-decider against Australia at Melbourne. This will do a world of good to the all-rounder who will aim to cement a World Cup berth in the next few games.

RAVINDRA JADEJA

Ravindra Jadeja has contained the easy run flow in the middle-overs and will be a handy customer with the bat at the fag end. Kohli will rely on him to pick wickets in the middle overs.

VIJAY SHANKAR

Vijay Shankar came into the team as a like to like replacement for suspended Hardik Pandya. He made his ODI debut in the last ODI against Australia but didn’t make much of a contribution. However, this will be a welcome opportunity for Shankar to make a mark for himself.

KULDEEP YADAV

Kuldeep Yadav is still a rare commodity in international cricket and the world is still figuring how to tackle him. Kuldeep will look to weave his magic and contain the Kiwi batting order within small totals.

BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been India’s best bowler in this format for a quite long time now. And now with the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, he will have to take additional responsibilities and pick wickets with the new ball.

MOHAMMED SHAMI

Mohammed Shami has done a terrific job in whatever the limited opportunities have come his way. The pacer from Bengal will have to pick wickets with the new ball and cement his place for the World Cup.