5 India players to watch out for in the ODI series against New Zealand

India will take on New Zealand in 5-match ODI series starting on 16 October. After having won the Test series convincingly, India will aim for total domination. New Zealand on the other hand, will be keen on registering their first win on the tour. The gears have shifted from Tests to the ODIs. New players have joined in while a few have been left out.

In order to gain the momentum, the hosts will be keen on setting the records straight at Dharamsala in the first ODI. Whoever draws first blood will have the upper hand in the series. It is necessary to note that the team combinations would be totally different for the hosts. With the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja being rested, the onus will be on the younger lot to deliver.

A few key members of the time like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to deliver the goods. However, it is the rookies who will be the players to watch out for. Here are the top 5 players who will have a lot of eyes glue stuck to them:

1. Manish Pandey:

Young Manish Pandey has been a revelation for Indian cricket. Earlier this year, he guided India to a win with his maiden ton against Australia. The innings of unbeaten 104 is etched in the memories of Indian fans who had a tough time watching India lose 4-1 down under. With Suresh Raina not fit for the first ODI, Pandey will have to shoulder the responsibility in the middle order.

He emerged as the leading run-getter in the recently concluded quadrangular A-team series where he amassed 359 runs in 7 matches at an average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 94.47. With 2 centuries to his name, he stamped his authority on the tournament for sure.

Also read- Virat Kohli arrives at Dharamsala after happy day at home