IND vs NZ: 1st ODI Preview – Rohit’s men up against touring Kiwis

After a successful series against Sri Lanka, India is all set to host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series starting January 18, 2023. The two sides will lock horns at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad for the first ODI, and will then move to Raipur and Indore for the second and third games respectively.

Both teams are in good touch as India thrashed Sri Lanka 3-0 at home, while New Zealand defeated the Pakistani side away from home by 2-1 to clinch the ODI series. The two sides recently met in New Zealand, but India lost the series 1-0 after rain played spoilsport in other games. Now that the senior players are back on the Indian side, the upcoming series will be a tough challenge.

India and New Zealand have locked horns 113 times in ODIs. The competition between the two sides in the format has been fierce as the Men in Blue have won 55 matches, while the Kiwis have emerged victorious on 50 occasions. The last time India won a series against New Zealand was back in 2019, but the Rohit Sharma-led side would be hoping to turn things around.

As for India, the top order is in tremendous form. Virat Kohli has notched up three ODI centuries since December 2022 and will be looking to continue the same momentum. With the ball, Mohammed Siraj is in terrific touch and put forth some heroics in the recent series. As for the Blackcaps, Devon Conway is in good form.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad typically tends to favour the batters. Given that both sides have powerful batting lineups, a run-fest is anticipated. In order to put their opponents up against a lofty score, the team that wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

Venue details: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Last ODI match at the venue: AUS: 236/7 in 50 overs | IND: 240/4 in 48.2 overs.

Here’s the probable playing XI for India vs New Zealand clash:

India:

India will be without the services of Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out a day before the first game owing to a back injury. Rajat Patidar has been named as his replacement, and it will be interesting to see who makes the cut to the final combination.

New Zealand:

The visiting side will be without the services of their key players Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult. With a lack of bowling options, the Kiwi side will be hoping to prepare a fine combination to tackle the in-form Indian side.