After giving some proper thrashing to Sri Lanka, beating Dasun Shanaka’s side by 3-0, India await New Zealand to continue their home winning juggernaut – India haven’t lost a bilateral home series since March 2019.
From the team that defeated Sri Lanka, India, though, will be without KL Rahul and Axar Patel, who are unavailable due to personal reasons. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Washington Sundar are able in filling their shoes.
However, New Zealand brings a much tougher challenge than Sri Lanka, not only in terms of quality, but also form: New Zealand recently defeated Pakistan in an ODI series in Pakistan. However, the Kiwis will be without their two experienced players, skipper Kane Williamson and veteran seamer Tim Southee, both of whom have been rested from the India tour. New Zealand, though, have plenty of firepower even without Williamson and Southee, and have the quality and experience to beat India in India.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI pitch report, date and time
Date: Wednesday, January 17 at 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
IND vs NZ 1st ODI pitch report:
The Hyderabad surface is known for producing high-scoring contests, and this is one is likely to be the same. The dew plays a significant role here, helping the chasing team.
IND vs SL 1st ODI Predicted playing XI:
Chahal might return to the XI after missing the last two ODIs vs Sri Lanka due to shoulder injury. But who he will replace is a doubt given Kuldeep’s success. Washington Sundar is likely to slot in at number 7 in Axar’s absence. Thakur is also in contention considering he adds batting depth.
India’s probable XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Umran Malik/Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, Shami, Siraj
Henry Nicholls is likely to take Williamson’s number 3 position while one of Dough Bracewell or Blair Tickner will replace Southee.
New Zealand probable XI:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C, wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tickner/Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson
IND vs NZ 1st ODI match prediction: India to win the first ODI in Hyderabad
Despite the absence of some of their first-choice players, India look too strong to be defeated in the first ODI of a home series. New Zealand, too, are missing the likes of Williamson, Boult, and Southee.
IND vs NZ 1st ODI Dream XI team:
