India to play New Zealand in Dubai on Oct 31.
The Indian team was criticized for their team selection as they were routed by 10 wickets against Pakistan. Inclusion of unfit Hardik Pandya and omission of experience R Ashwin was the talk of the town. After the match, the non-performance of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Chakravarthy were the fore issues as the Pakistan loss was autopsied.
Despite the misgivings in the first match, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are expected to open the innings for India, but they would be wary of New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult, who like Shaheen Afridi, can bring the ball back into the right-handers at a good pace.
Virat Kohli made a half-century against Pakistan but didn’t look at his fluent best, and him needing to fire will be at the top of the list of things the Indian team wants in this crunch match against New Zealand. India might look to steer things up by bringing in left-hander Ishan Kishan at the top of the order.
Thakur may also be brought in to replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Mohammad Shami, as both the bowlers looked toothless and lackluster against Pakistan. Adding Shardul to the XI also gives India the extra batting that is a requisite in T20 cricket at the moment.
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah will retain their spots, but Varun Chakravarthy might make way for R Ashwin in the XI, given his fitness and impact against Pakistan. Mohammad Shami would like to give a memorable performance here to shut down those who trolled him after losing to Pakistan.
This is a must-win game for India, as after this they face-off against the dangerous Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland in the remainder of their group matches. A win here will ensure India is in a good position to qualify for the semis.
COC Predicted Team India XI for New Zealand match:
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy