overview
India and New Zealand held shows in Hyderabad at the series’ opening ODI. It’s hard to repeat for the next game, but as Raipur prepares to host its first ever international match, they desperately want something closer. It will help secure more international matches.With the stadium holding over 60,000 people, this could be a spectacle.
With another trophy in hand, India will continue to focus on building the ideal squad for the World Cup. In the absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, team management hopes players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav will get more downtime along the way. From today’s perspective, these two look like top 5 enhancements. If they don’t seize their chance, that scenario could change by the time the World Cup approaches.
It’s rare for a hitter to follow his second century with another big knock. Can Shubman Gill break this trend?Given that his final three points before the double are his 116, 21, 70, we can’t give him the credit. While the batting side looks very strong at the moment, India’s focus will be on the bowlers. A few days ago they allowed Dasun Shanaka to score big points while collecting from the back. And in Hyderabad they regained the lead at times, but for a long time they failed to take the crucial wicket that put them in the driver’s seat.
Michael Bracewell secured a World Championship spot long ago, but Finn Allen still has work to do. The selectors dropped Martin Guptil and trusted Allen to look ahead. Allen started, but conversion to ODI format is essential.
When: India vs New Zealand, January 21, 1:30 PM local time
Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
What to expect: No rain is expected during the game with moderate temperatures set to welcome both sides. The surface will carry a bit of mystery given the venue hasn’t hosted international cricket yet.
Team News
India
Rajat Patidar might have to wait as the hosts will look to stick to the same combination. Shardul Thakur gives India a handy batting option at No.8 so Umran Malik won’t find it easy to force his way back in.
Predicted XI– Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj
New Zealand
The visitors might stick with the same XI as well. At the most, a change might be in store in the bowling department.
Predicted XI– Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley/Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner