New Zealand vs India 2020, 1st ODI, Hamilton - India's Predicted Playing XI

It is time for India to turn their attention to the 50-over format after dominating New Zealand thoroughly in the shortest version of the game. As much as the Men in Blue have dominated the T20 internationals, they have also been clinical in the One-day internationals. Former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan claimed that India is ‘one of the strongest sides’, the Kiwis need to win at least two formats out of three to prove their supremacy. Thus, the hosts have to play out of their skin–to oust India in the remaining two versions from now on.

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But the tourists have been dealt with a body blow ahead of the three-match ODI series beginning on the 5th of February. Ace opening batsman Rohit Sharma will miss the entire series due to a calf injury. He sustained an injury during the fifth T20I at the Bay Oval.

However, his replacement Mayank Agarwal is equally a gun opening batsman, but indeed will have a challenge in front of him.

We take a look at India’s predicted XI for the first Hamilton ODI between New Zealand and India:

Prithvi Shaw:

For the first time in his career, Prithvi Shaw has been named in the ODI squad. His selection came along due to Shikhar Dhawan suffering an injury to his shoulder in the series against Australia. Shaw made his Test debut in 2018, but since then has found himself on the sidelines due to constant injuries. The attacking persona of the 20-year-old would surely help India at the top of the order.

Mayank Agarwal:

Mayank Agarwal’s pick in 50-over cricket for India arrives due to Rohit sustaining an injury to his calf because of which he couldn’t complete his innings in the final T20 international.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka lad has been in a red hot form in Tests, having mustered 872 runs in nine Tests with three centuries. Along with Prithvi Shaw, the 28-year old would be under slight pressure, considering they would be opening the innings on their debut.

Virat Kohli (c):

It is a no-brainer as to who will bat at number three position. Although due to Rohit’s absence, Kohli may have a greater task in his hands to steer a relatively inexperienced batting order.

But the captain loves challenges and can come out with flying colours, owing to his brilliance in the format.

Shreyas Iyer:

After enjoying a productive T20 series, Shreyas Iyer would be eager to translate his form in ODIs as well.

The 25-year old batsman has been maturing rapidly and understands what is required of him at different match situations. He had a torrid series against Australia and would be desperate to prove a point against the Black Caps.

KL Rahul (wk):

At this point, there are few positions in a batting line-up in which Rahul cannot flourish in. Over the last few months, the Karnataka batsman has played in multiple batting positions and started keeping wickets as well. His breezy innings of 80 against Australia at number five in Rajkot was a testament to how quickly he can adjust his gameplay to suit the match conditions.

Number five looks to be an apt slot for him as of now.

Manish Pandey:

During the T20 series against New Zealand, Manish Pandey only had one significant knock to his name. But that innings of 50 was priceless in the context of the game and ever since the 30-year old has been billed as the future finisher for India.

The number six position seems well-designed for him to launch an onslaught if the top-order batsmen can set a formidable base.

Ravindra Jadeja:

The Saurashtra all-rounder is an indispensable member of the Indian team due to his all-round abilities.

If Ravindra Jadeja proves as a liability with the bat, he will undoubtedly make up for it in the field by bowling economically to take wickets and save a handful of runs.

At number seven, the 31-year old can also shield a collapse from taking place.

Mohammed Shami:

Mohammed Shami would likely take the new ball along with Jasprit Bumrah. Over the last few months, the Bengal pacer has evolved as one of the most potent white-ball bowlers.

Shami has also become the go-to man for captain Kohli, capable of striking at all phases of an innings. He was also the leading wicket-taker with nine wickets in four games at 15.33 (the previous time).

Kuldeep Yadav:

Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be the frontline spinner and share the spinning duties along with Ravindra Jadeja.

The left-arm spinner endured a lean 2019, but is starting to appear among the wickets again this year.

Yadav has picked up eight wickets in four games, the last time India toured New Zealand for the ODI series.

Jasprit Bumrah:

The lanky pacer will share the duties of making inroads with the new ball along with Shami.

Jasprit Bumrah has recently marked his return to the international market and it feels like he never left.

Although he wasn’t amongst the wickets, he played an integral part in paving the way for the other bowlers to take wickets.

Navdeep Saini:

The third pacer to complete the Indian bowling department should likely be Navdeep Saini. Although Shardul Thakur finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the T20Is (against Kiwis) holds the edge, the Men in Blue could go ahead with Saini, who started reasonably well against Australia.

But the 27-year-old has to improve his death-bowling slightly as he went for plenty against Australia in the third ODI at home.

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