Predicting India’s Playing XI for their encounter against New Zealand in ODI World Cup 2023

The Indian team will be facing off with New Zealand in their next assignment, in Dharamshala. The Kiwis knocked out India in the Semi-final of the last ODI World Cup in 2019. The Men in Blue would look to avenge that heartbreaking defeat. Both sides are on a great run, having won all four matches that they have played in this World Cup. India would be keen to continue their unbeaten run by overcoming the Kiwi challenge. Let’s take a look at the probable starting lineup for India against New Zealand. 

Top Order

The Indian top-order has completely romped through in this tournament. Barring the early collapse against Australia this top-order has enjoyed playing on this big stage. In the first two matches, Shubman Gill was out due to sickness but against Bangladesh, he showed that he is still in great touch and can take responsibility at the top. He scored an elegant half-century against Bangladesh assuring the management of his presence. He would be eyeing to add more runs to his tally against a dangerous Kiwi bowling attack, especially in the bowling-friendly conditions of Dharamshala. 

Rohit Sharma after his failure against Australia has not looked back. He also looked in great touch in the last match though he missed out on a deserved half-century. The skipper along with Virat Kohli would be desperate to continue the momentum that they have gained in this tournament. Kohli’s century in the last game would give him even more confidence to go out there and enjoy. 

Middle Order

The middle order couldn’t get much to do in the last match but KL Rahul looked brilliant. There is a huge setback for team India as Hardik Pandya sustained an ankle injury in Pune. His absence would force the Indian team to make a change in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan might get a look in as the management would look to bolster the batting in the absence of Pandya. Other than Surya or Ishan coming in, there won’t be any more changes because the middle order looks very settled. 

Bowling unit

India’s bowling attack has been one of the prime reasons why the Men in Blue have been performing in such a dominating fashion. The bowlers have chipped in with their contributions in every match and their form would be crucial against New Zealand as well. However, there would be a change in the bowling composition because of Pandya’s injury. Pandya has provided a balance to the Indian team but his absence would mean that Shami would get to play his first match in this World Cup. Mohammad Shami will look to exploit bowling-friendly conditions in Dharamshala. The experienced campaigner would add a different dimension to the Indian bowling attack. Shami’s inclusion would see Shardul Thakur sitting out for the first time in the tournament. The rest of the figures in the bowling unit would remain the same as the last match.