ODI World Cup 2023 1st Semi-Final: India's strongest predicted playing XI against New Zealand

India (IND) are set to clash with New Zealand (NZ) in the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 15. Topping the points table with a stellar performance against the Netherlands, India are riding high on momentum. New Zealand, fresh from a victory against Sri Lanka, aim to unleash a decisive blow. The stage is set for a gripping encounter as both teams eye a spot in the final.

Rohit Sharma, having amassed ample runs in the tournament, spearheads the Indian batting with impactful starts. His alliance with Shubman Gill is crucial in this decisive clash. Virat Kohli, in sublime touch, anchors the middle order, forging partnerships with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, adept finishers, fortify a formidable batting lineup, instilling confidence in India's run-scoring prowess for the crucial encounter.

The bowling unit, a consistent menace, anticipates impactful spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj to dismantle the Kiwi top order, known for its formidable form. Mohammad Shami's lethal prowess adds an extra dimension, promising another stellar performance. The synergy between Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja has been effective, and the duo aims to replicate their success, keeping the opposition under pressure in this crucial encounter.

Here's India's Predicted XI against New Zealand:

Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma has notched up an impressive 500-plus runs in the ongoing tournament. The dynamic batter, having recently crafted a composed 61 off 54 deliveries against the Dutch, is poised to further elevate his run tally. With an eye for a bright start, Sharma's form becomes pivotal as he readies himself for yet another innings in the ultimate semi-final clash.

The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will look to weave their magic once again. Gill's recent knock of 51 off 32 against the Netherlands showcased his sublime form. With an impressive aggregate of 270 runs in seven matches, including a brilliant 92, the youngster adds a dynamic edge to the partnership. As they stride out to face the opposition, anticipation builds for another chapter in the seamless collaboration between these two.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav

Virat Kohli takes centre stage, leading the run charts at the close of the league stage with a staggering 594 runs in nine matches, boasting an impeccable average of 99.00. The master batter, just one century away from his 50th ODI hundred, has already notched up two centuries in this tournament. As he strides to the crease, anticipation surges for another Kohli masterclass.

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a welcome boon for team India. With an impressive tally of 421 runs at an average of 70.17, including a career-best performance against the Netherlands, Iyer's consistency has been a key asset. Having notched up three fifties already, he now stands just 79 runs away from the coveted 500-run milestone in this World Cup campaign.

Check Here: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

KL Rahul enters the fray with momentum, having notched his first century in the World Cup in a stellar display against the Netherlands. Accumulating 347 runs in nine games, Rahul stands as India's linchpin in the middle-order. His mercurial performances extend beyond the bat, showcasing spectacular athleticism behind the wickets. As India's dependable force, Rahul is poised to continue his impactful contributions in the ongoing World Cup campaign.

Suryakumar Yadav, a consistent presence since replacing Hardik Pandya, has embraced his role in the XI. From five games, he has notched up 87 runs with an average of 21.75 and an impressive strike rate of 120. Yadav's adaptability and contributions make him a key asset in the lower middle-order, providing the team with stability and firepower when needed.

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, an all-round maestro, has left an indelible mark with his exceptional bowling prowess. With 16 wickets from nine games, averaging a staggering 18.25, Jadeja has been a constant thorn in the opposition's side. While his batting opportunities have been limited, glimpses of his prowess were evident in crucial innings against New Zealand and South Africa, showcasing the depth of his cricketing skills.

In a dazzling display, Jadeja emerged as the undisputed hero of India's bowling against South Africa in the World Cup clash. The seasoned all-rounder mesmerised fans with an exceptional performance, clinching a remarkable 5-wicket haul by conceding a mere 33 runs in his nine overs. Jadeja's stellar spell left the opposition in awe.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Kuldeep Yadav experimented with unconventional deliveries against the Netherlands, possibly fine-tuning his arsenal before the impending semi-final clash. The seasoned spinner has already claimed 14 wickets in nine matches, boasting an impressive average of 22.29. Yadav's quest for variation adds an intriguing dimension to India's bowling attack, promising an exciting spectacle in the crucial stages of the tournament.

Spearheading the Indian pace battery, Jasprit Bumrah is set to command the attack with his lethal precision. With 17 wickets from nine matches, boasting an exceptional average of 15.64 and a notable four-fer, Bumrah's prowess is unmatched. His past World Cup heroics, accumulating 19 wickets, underline his pedigree as a relentless force. As the semi-final beckons, Bumrah stands poised to unleash his bowling brilliance on the grand stage once again.

Also See: Most Wickets in Cricket World Cup 2023

Mohammed Shami is on the cusp of a historic milestone, eyeing the coveted 50 World Cup wickets with just three more needed. His current tally of 16 wickets in merely five games, at an astonishing average of less than ten, underscores Shami's undeniable impact in the tournament. As he gears up for the next challenge, the lethal pacer promises to add another chapter to his impressive World Cup legacy.

Mohammed Siraj will retain his place in the lineup despite proving expensive, a testament to his integral role in the squad. With 12 wickets in the ongoing World Cup, Siraj has maintained an average of 28.83, showcasing his knack for breakthroughs. While his economy rate hovers around six, the team values his wicket-taking ability, solidifying his position as a key component in the pace department.

India's Probable Predicted XI:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK),  Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja,  Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj