ODI World Cup 2023: India's strongest predicted playing XI against New Zealand

India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) will square off in an engaging clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday, October 22, at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.

India face a formidable challenge as Hardik Pandya's unavailability for the crucial World Cup showdown against New Zealand leaves Rohit Sharma with a selection puzzle. The replacement for Hardik becomes a critical decision. Speculation abounds that Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami are the frontrunners to step up as India take on the table-topping opponents.

Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami are eager for their chance against New Zealand, with Hardik Pandya sidelined. Rohit Sharma must fill the vital roles of a finisher and pacer. Finding a like-for-like replacement for Pandya proves challenging, and the probable solution could see Shardul Thakur taking a back seat to make way for both Suryakumar and Shami in the lineup.

India encountered a bowling conundrum when Pandya's departure after just three deliveries necessitated Virat Kohli to step in. Suryakumar Yadav, despite modest ODI statistics, injects the team with a game-changing quality akin to Pandya's finishing prowess. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who saw limited action in the initial four matches, is poised to display his seam bowling excellence, eager to prove his worth.

Here's India’s Predicted XI Against New Zealand:

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma, currently in outstanding form, evokes memories of his splendid performance during the 2019 World Cup. His recent century against Afghanistan underscores his scorching touch. As India's opener, he's poised to replicate his success by kickstarting innings with a blazing start for the team in the upcoming matches.

Rohit will have Shubman Gill as his opening partner. Gill initially missed two matches due to a bout of Dengue fever. In his encounter with Pakistan, he departed after scoring 16 runs. However, his resilience dazzled through with a commanding half-century against Bangladesh. Gill, riding a spectacular form in 2023, is determined to deliver a commanding performance in the upcoming match.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

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

Virat Kohli is set to anchor the Indian middle order, displaying exceptional form. His recent innings against Australia showcased his composure and tenacity. Kohli's century against Bangladesh, which steered his team to victory, underscores his match-winning prowess. He's the batter to keep a keen eye on in the upcoming matches.

Shreyas Iyer endured a disappointing beginning to the competition, suffering a duck against Australia. Nevertheless, he swiftly redeemed himself by crafting sensible innings against Afghanistan. Notably, he bounced back with a well-constructed half-century in the contest against Pakistan, making amends for the initial setback.

KL Rahul has silenced doubters with his invaluable performances as a lower-order batsman. His crucial innings of 97 against Australia and his partnership with Virat Kohli in the match against Bangladesh showcased his ability to navigate challenging situations. Rahul has emerged as India's dependable go-to player when the team needs it most.

Suryakumar Yadav, a former Mumbai Indians teammate of Hardik Pandya, emerges as the ideal batting replacement. However, his inclusion may necessitate a choice between a specialist bowler like Mohammed Shami over Shardul Thakur or Ravichandran Ashwin. While bowling options may shift, the batting unit should remain robust without significant compromise.

Also Check: List of Virat Kohli international & IPL centuries

All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja 

Ravindra Jadeja, the team's sole all-rounder, stands out for his remarkable ability to deliver an impressive tally of dot balls and wickets, the dot balls numbering 131 in just four matches, equivalent to 21.5 overs. His dot ball rate is a remarkable 58.22%, proving to be a formidable challenge for opposing batters in their quest for free scoring.

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

Kuldeep Yadav, India's designated spinner for the upcoming clash with New Zealand, has been a notable performer. With six wickets in four matches and an economy rate of approximately four, the left-arm spinner's impact has been pronounced. His impressive display against Pakistan was evident as he single-handedly dismantled their middle-order.

Jasprit Bumrah, the spearhead of India's pace battery, takes charge of the fast-bowling department. With ten wickets in four matches, he's India's premier wicket-taker. His exceptional two-wicket burst against Pakistan, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan with unplayable deliveries, highlights his impact and effectiveness in crucial moments.

There's a likelihood of Mohammed Shami replacing Shardul Thakur in the playing eleven, offering a more prominent seam-bowling role. Shami's impressive form was evident during the ODI series against Australia before the World Cup, where he secured a five-wicket haul. If granted the opportunity, he aspires to deliver a splendid performance.

Mohammed Siraj, while conceding runs at an economy of 6.13, has proven to be a consistent wicket-taker. His contributions were pivotal in the matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh. An improved economy rate from him could significantly benefit the team, enhancing the overall performance in the upcoming matches.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

India’s predicted XI:

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