After winning the T20I series 3-2, Team India is now ready for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first match will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. The match will begin at 7:30 am Indian time, while the toss is scheduled for 7 am. All eyes will be on India's playing XI and the changes the team management makes for the opening match.
Two Changes Expected
India could make two changes to the playing XI that featured in the final ODI against West Indies. Shreyas Iyer is likely to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad at number four, while Arshdeep Singh may come in for Gurnoor Brar. The other nine players are expected to remain part of the team. However, Gaikwad's recent performances could make the selection decision interesting.
Top Order Almost Certain
Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill are expected to open the innings, followed by Virat Kohli at number three. Shreyas Iyer could bat at number four, while KL Rahul is likely to take the number five position and keep wickets. Nitish Kumar Reddy may provide an additional bowling option. Axar Patel and Naman Dhir are also expected to strengthen the middle order with their all-round abilities.
Bowling Combination
Kuldeep Yadav is likely to lead India's spin attack, while Mohammed Siraj's place in the playing XI looks certain. Arshdeep Singh could join the pace attack in place of Gurnoor Brar. India will miss Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the series. Prasidh Krishna is also unavailable after failing to receive fitness clearance due to a hamstring injury. Aaqib Nabi has been added to the squad for all five matches.
New Zealand Hit by Injuries
The hosts are also dealing with injury concerns before the series. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have been ruled out of the entire series, with Henry Nicholls and Tim Seifert named as replacements. Devon Conway will miss the first ODI after suffering concussion symptoms during a training session following a collision with Matt Henry. Henry's availability will also depend on his fitness assessment. Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell will be important to New Zealand's batting plans.
Head-to-Head and Full Schedule
India and New Zealand have played 123 ODIs against each other. India have won 63 matches, while New Zealand have won 52. One match ended in a tie and seven produced no result. The remaining four matches will be played on November 7 in Wellington, November 10 in Hamilton, and November 13 and 15 in Mount Maunganui. All five matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 am Indian time. India's likely playing XI includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh or Gurnoor Brar.
