The first ODI of the three-match series between New Zealand and India will be played at Eden Park, Auckland on November 25, 2022. India has already won the T20I series 1-0 under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan will take over as captain for ODIs.
The last time India played an ODI series in New Zealand, the hosts blanked India 0-3 in 2020 and the Men in Blue will be eager to begin their road to the 2023 World Cup on a winning note.
Keeping this in mind, here is the COC Predicted Team India playing XI for the first ODI.
The Indian team is missing its few first-choice players and this will mean opportunities for the bench to showcase their strength as the selectors are looking for some new blood to bring energy and new skills into the team.
Shikhar Dhawan will open the innings and Shubman Gill is expected to open the innings with him, given his rich vein of form. Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant are going to form the crux of the middle order.
Iyer will have much to prove in this series as he will be peppered by short balls, but he has good memories of New Zealand, having hit his first ODI ton in this country. Suryakumar Yadav will look to showcase his skills but in a longer format than T20 and show that he can be as effective in ODIs as well.
Though the T20I series was a dud for Rishabh Pant, ODIs are tailor-made for him and he will look to do well to gain some confidence.
Deepak Hooda is expected to be the finisher for the Indian team and along with Washington Sundar, the second spinner as well. Given the dimensions of the Eden Park stadium, spinners will have to be on their toes against big-hitting batters.
Expect the Indian think-tank to pick more fast bowlers given the pace-friendly conditions in New Zealand.
The inclusion of Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur will not only give India two skillful swing bowlers but lengthen the batting as well, as both have shown how handy they can be with the willow.
Also expect Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik to make their ODI debuts here, as India moves towards the future keeping the 2023 World Cup in mind.
COC predicted Team India playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (VC-WK), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh
