India and New Zealand Face Selection Challenges for Indore Series Decider
India and New Zealand are preparing for a decisive ODI match in Indore, with both teams facing unique selection challenges. This series marks an opportunity for New Zealand to secure their first ODI series victory in India, a feat that remains elusive despite numerous attempts.
New Zealand’s Historic Struggles in India
Throughout 16 visits, New Zealand has competed in various formats, including four World Cups and a Champions Trophy, but they have never clinched a win. They’ve forced a series decider only three times, struggling in previous attempts with disappointing performances—bowling out for just 126 in 1995, 79 in 2016, and failing to chase 90 runs in 2017.
Current Series Context
After achieving a remarkable 3-0 Test series whitewash against India last season, New Zealand enters the Indore match with hopes of a breakthrough in ODIs. However, their squad is inexperienced, featuring eight players making their inaugural trip to India. Among these, five players have less than ten ODIs to their name.
India’s Standing
Ranked as the defending champions of the last World Cup, the Asia Cup, and the Champions Trophy, India boasts a formidable team. However, the team faces the challenge of fluctuating conditions, particularly transitioning from afternoon to night, which can unsettle any side.
Toss Dynamics and Recent Performance
India has not lost an ODI at home after winning the toss in over three years. The pressure mounts if they happen to lose the toss. Their recent form reveals a mixed bag: LWWLW in their last five completed ODIs.
In comparison, New Zealand has shown resilience with a WLWWW record in their recent matches.
Key Players to Watch
- Kuldeep Yadav (India): After being taken on by Daryl Mitchell in the last match, Kuldeep is under pressure to perform.
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): His batting prowess has been pivotal for New Zealand’s strategy.
Team News and Selection Decisions
India has made recent adjustments due to injuries, calling up off-spin allrounder Ayush Badoni for the injured Washington Sundar. While Nitish Kumar Reddy played previously, his limited overs might prompt a switch. Arshdeep Singh, despite strong recent performances, faces competition from others who’ve consistently contributed.
Probable Teams
| India | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (capt) | Devon Conway |
| Rohit Sharma | Henry Nicholls |
| Virat Kohli | Will Young |
| Shreyas Iyer | Daryl Mitchell |
| KL Rahul (wk) | Mitchell Hay |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy/Ayush Badoni | Glenn Phillips |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Michael Bracewell (capt) |
| Harshit Rana | Kristian Clarke |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Kyle Jamieson |
| Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh | Zak Foulkes |
| Mohammed Siraj | Adithya Ashok/Jayden Lennox |
Pitch and Playing Conditions
Indore’s stadium has seen high-scoring matches previously, with India achieving 418 runs over 14 years ago. Recent totals also hover around 399 and 385 runs, making this ground conducive for batting.
Weather conditions favor the players, with temperatures ranging from late 20s to early 10s. Barring unusual pitch conditions, a match filled with runs is anticipated. Both teams will need to adapt to these variables as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting decider in Indore.
