Top 5 fantasy picks: IND vs NZ – Kohli, Siraj emerge as obvious picks
India and New Zealand begin a 3-match ODI series today in Hyderabad. India have rested KL Rahul and Axar Patel for this series while the Kiwis will also miss the likes of Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. Here are the top five fantasy picks that you should have in your teams for the IND vs NZ encounter.
5. Shubman Gill
The right-hander has hit all the right notes at the top for India. Partnering with Rohit Sharma, Gill has found a way to attack in the powerplay and accumulate runs in the later phase. His ODI average currently stands at 59.60. In the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, he registered scores of 70, 21 and 116.
4. Devon Conway
Conway, the left-handed opener, has batted in 14 ODI innings for New Zealand. He has scored two centuries and three fifties in that period. In the recent ODI series against Pakistan, he scored 153 runs in three matches. This makes him a top pick from the NZ team.
3. Mohammed Siraj
Enjoying a wonderful outing against Sri Lanka, Siraj claimed 9 wickets in three matches. The Hyderabadi pacer is in terrific form. Also, the venue for the first ODI is his home ground. He will be desperate to give his best and harass the Kiwis with the new ball.
2. Tom Latham
In the absence of Kane Williamson, Latham will be taking up the leadership role. This is likely to enhance his run-scoring potential. India is his favourite opponent in ODI cricket. In 20 ODI encounters against India, Latham has amassed 846 runs at an average of 65. In India, his record gets better as his average rises to 75 with one century and three fifties in eight innings.
1. Virat Kohli
With three ODI centuries in the last four innings, it is only the law of averages that can stop Virat Kohli, the run machine. He already has celebrated 21 ODI centuries in India which is a world record for the most centuries by a batter in a single country. The ODI format allows him to play the second fiddle and go about accumulating runs. In the death overs, he turns his beast mode on. Leave him at your own peril.
