The first match of the three-match One Day International series between India and New Zealand will be played in Vadodara today. The match will be held at a new stadium, with close attention on team combinations from both sides.
India are viewing the series as an opportunity to prepare for upcoming major tournaments and assess their team combination, while New Zealand are aiming to begin a new phase with younger players.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in focus
The form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has emerged as a central point of discussion in this ODI series. Both senior batters recently featured in the league stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they registered high scores.
The match practice gained in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has provided Kohli and Rohit with confidence ahead of the ODI series. The team management is expecting them to carry that continuity against New Zealand.
Context of the ODI series
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for next month, India’s priority is tilted towards the shorter format. However, the three ODIs to be played over the next seven days will allow the selectors and team management to assess reliable options in the 50-over format.
Shubman Gill’s situation
India captain Shubman Gill’s batting form has been a subject of concern in recent times. He missed the previous ODI series against South Africa due to injury. His return has reopened discussions around team combination.
Gill’s comeback could result in Yashasvi Jaiswal missing out at the top of the order. Jaiswal had scored a century in his previous ODI against South Africa.
Shreyas Iyer’s return
Shreyas Iyer’s return to the squad is expected to bring stability to the batting order. The 31-year-old is likely to bat at number four, a position that is expected to strengthen the middle order.
KL Rahul is likely to continue his role as a lower-order batter and wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant has already been ruled out of the series due to injury.
Preparation status
Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj were unable to take part in the ODI team’s preparations until Friday due to commitments in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ravindra Jadeja, however, trained with full intensity, indicating his availability for the opening match.
Bumrah and Hardik rested
Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested for the ODI series in view of their T20 commitments. In their absence, the responsibility of the pace attack will rest with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja will be the primary options. Considering the flat pitch in Vadodara and the presence of evening dew, bowlers are expected to focus on containing runs.
Vadodara stadium milestone
The new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium at Kotambi will host its first men’s international match today. The venue had earlier hosted a women’s ODI series between India and West Indies.
New Zealand team composition
New Zealand are treating the series as an opportunity to assess younger and second-string players. The team will be led by Michael Bracewell.
Regular captain Mitchell Santner has been ruled out due to a groin injury. Tom Latham has returned home following the birth of his first child. Former captain Kane Williamson is engaged in T20 commitments in South Africa’s SA20 League.
Rachin Ravindra and fast bowler Jacob Duffy have been rested. Matt Henry is returning from a calf injury, with his focus on the T20 series. Kyle Jamieson and young leg-spinner Aditya Ashok are part of the squad.
New Zealand’s ODI record in India
New Zealand have not won an ODI series or tournament in India to date. Last month, India won an ODI toss for the first time in more than two years during the decider against South Africa, after having lost the toss in 20 consecutive matches.
