IND v NZ, 1st ODI Preview: Faltering Kiwis look to draw first blood on tour

The IND v NZ Test series was nothing short of a disaster. With a couple of key players out of action, the Kiwis were whitewashed by a clinical Indian team. In spite of that, the New Zealanders are now looking at the Indian winter for redemption. The recovery as far as the Kiwis go will come in the form of a victory in the ODI series, something that will be viewed as a triumph when they do indeed return back to New Zealand for their home season.

As far as the Indians would be concerned, a few key limited-overs specialists will most certainly be hoping to make their impact on the side. Moreover, with the new selection panel choosing to go ahead with a new and exuberant Indian unit, it seems quite clear that one eye is most certainly on the future of Indian cricket as well.

That said, a mouthwatering encounter is most certainly on the cards as these two sides take on each other at the picturesque stadium in Dharamsala.

Team Analysis

India

Following the 3-0 win in the ODI series, Anil Kumble and the rest of the Indian team management as well as the coaching staff will be looking to get the wheels off the ground in the One-Day format. While they have well and truly asserted their dominance in the longest format of the game, the Indians have had a rather sketchy time in the ODI format.

Also read- India v New Zealand, 1st ODI – India Predicted XI

Having lost five of their last seven ODI series as well as having a 50% record at the HPCA, it is rather safe to say that the Indians do not have a perfect record when it comes to the 50 overs format. Having said that, MS Dhoni will be looking to remove the blemishes of the previous records and ensure that the Indians go back into the reckoning of the best ODI team in the world.

As far as team changes go, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Manish Pandey will be making their way into the side following a long lay-off as well as a well-documented stint with the India ‘A’ side. Moreover, it would be interesting to see whether the likes of Dhawal Kulkarni and Jayant Yadav get the nod.

New Zealand

In spite of the setback in the Test series, Kane Williamson will be a relieved man as he attempts to overhaul the Indians. As mentioned, the Kiwis have never been able to overhaul the Indians in an ODI series in their own backyard. However, Williamson’s record in ODIs as skipper is good enough to take the fight right to the host’s doorstep.

Having won 10 of their last 13 ODI series since 2014, New Zealand has been in somewhat of a purple patch. That said, it would seem quite clear that Williamson and his men have what it takes to beat the Indians. Moreover, the fact of the matter sees the Kiwis welcome back Corey Anderson and Tim Southee, two players who are supremely important in their own right.

With spin expected to play a part in the first encounter, it is highly expected that Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will be the ones to make their way into the side. Moreover, the presence of Anton Devcich would also add to the spinning options available for the Kiwis.

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

Probable XI

India:

MS Dhoni (C/wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Luke Ronchi (wk), Martin Guptill, Anton Devcich, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi

Match facts

Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Time: 13:30 IST

Telecast: Star Sports 1 & 1HD (English) 3 & 3HD (Hindi)

StAttack:

1. The last time the Indians beat New Zealand in an ODI was in Chennai in 2010. Since then, the Kiwis have won 4 of the five ODIs played with one being washed out.

2. New Zealand has never won a bilateral series in India. This will be their fifth attempt in securing a win in a bilateral series.

3. Since the start of 2014, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have 9-century partnerships in ODIs since the start of 2014.

4. New Zealand however, has won nine of their last 12 bilateral series since the start of 2014. However, India has lost five of its last seven bilateral series. Both these series wins have come against Zimbabwe.