India v New Zealand, 1st Test: India Predicted XI

India will take on New Zealand in what will be their 500th Test match at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur. While this is most certainly one of the bigger occasions in Indian cricket, the Indians will most certainly be hoping to get down to business as the world number one ranking in Test cricket beckons over the horizon.

While most of the players have their slots set, the interesting decisions will be on the opening partnership – whether or not Shikhar Dhawan is trusted, should Virat back Rohit Sharma, drop Cheteshwar Pujara (who showed exactly how good he is in the Duleep Trophy) and promote himself to No. 3, not his most preferred and successful batting position.

With a settled squad more or less in place, it seems clear that the Predicted XI will more or less be correct. That said, we take a look at a possible XI that will lineup against the Kiwis in the upcoming India v New Zealand encounter.

KL Rahul:

The 24-year old Karnataka batsman has seamlessly slipped into life with the Indian cricket team. In spite of the presence of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul has more or less cemented his place in the Indian opening slot.

His composure coupled with his batting acumen is something that has seen him blossom into perhaps the perfect opening batsman. With Shikhar Dhawan uncertain about his form and Rahul in the middle of a purple patch, it will only be fair to entrust the Karnataka boy with the opening responsibilities.

New Zealand is one country that Rahul does not have a ton against and he will be hoping that he gets off the mark against what seems to be a well-drilled Kiwi side.