ICC World Cup 2019: 1st Semi-Final, India vs New Zealand: Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy

After some riveting encounters in the main round, the 2019 World Cup, the stage is now set for the semi-finals. The first of them is scheduled to be played tomorrow between India and New Zealand at the Old Trafford in Manchester. It’s a venue where all the five games went in favour of the team, batting first and hence, the toss could play an important factor in deciding the result of the crunch encounter.

The Kiwis are coming into the game on the back of three back-to-back defeats at the hands of Pakistan, England and Australia respectively. The Men in Blue, on the contrary, finished on top of the table with 15 points from nine matches. Barring their 31-run stutter against the Three Lions, Virat Kohli & Co. haven’t done much wrong and would be looking to book a berth for Finals Day on July 14.

Here is the guide to select the Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy:

Captain Suggestions

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is currently in the middle of a purple patch, having scored 647 runs in eight matches at an average of 98.77. The 32-year-old racked up three tons in a row and is the only batsman with five centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. The right-hander has peaked at the right time in the tournament and would wish to carry on with his awe-inspiring run of form.

Dream11 Credits: 11

Kane Williamson

One of the very reasons why the Kiwis are in the semis is Kane Williamson. Most of the times, he came in after the openers failed and he bailed his team out of jail. It’s not a surprise that he is their leading run-scorer with 481 runs in eight games at 96.20. He’ll be looking to increase his strike-rate, which is currently at 77.20. The Kiwis will want him to play another knock of substance in the big game.

Dream11 Credits: 10.5

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli hasn’t been outstanding by any means, but he has done his job with precision. At a decent average of 63.14, Virat has racked up 442 runs in eight matches with the top score of 82 versus Australia. The 30-year-old has five 50-plus scores and has steadied the ship more often than not in the middle order. His role is expected to be a key in the upcoming crunch encounter.

Dream11 Credits: 10.5

Vice-Captain Suggestions:

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has shouldered the responsibility of opening the batting pretty efficiently. The Karnataka batsman has notched 360 runs at an average of 51.42. In the first few games, he got starts, but couldn’t convert them. But in the last game, he turned up with a sparkling knock of 111 and it would’ve done his confidence a world of good. Rahul will be eying another decent score.

Dream11 Credits: 8.5

Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor has underperformed a tad by his standards in this World Cup. The 35-year-old veteran has scored 261 runs at an average of 37.28. In the last two innings, he got starts, but couldn’t convert. His strike-rate of 75.87 suggests that he hasn’t been at his very best. However, bearing in mind the class he possesses, India can’t afford to undermine his skills by any means.

Dream11 Credits: 9.5

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has done a reasonable job until now. The Baroda all-rounder has pulled out 194 runs in eight games at an average of 32.33. His strike-rate of 139.59 shows that he hasn’t found the going tough while plying his trade with the bat in hand. Pandya has also performed par with expectations as the fifth bowler, having picked up nine wickets. He needs to be on top of his game in the next contest.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Final picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team

For Head to Head/Small Leagues

Captain – Rohit Sharma | Vice-Captain – Kane Williamson

For Grand/Mega Leagues

Captain – Virat Kohli | Vice-Captain – Ross Taylor

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.