“India’s Expected Lineup Against New Zealand in the 2023 Cricket World Cup:
In what promises to be an enthralling encounter at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, match number 21 holds the potential to decide the leader on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 points table. Both India and New Zealand have remained unbeaten in the tournament, each securing victories in their four previous matches. India triumphed over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while New Zealand emerged victorious against England, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. New Zealand currently tops the points table, thanks to their superior net run rate, with India hot on their heels.”
“India’s Expected Lineup Against New Zealand in the 2023 Cricket World Cup:
The previous encounter between these two teams in the ODI World Cup concluded in heartbreak for Team India, as New Zealand secured an 18-run victory in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup in Manchester, England.
Furthermore, New Zealand holds a more favorable head-to-head record in ODI World Cup competitions against India, winning five out of nine encounters while losing three. One match ended in a draw.
Despite Rohit Sharma’s in-form squad appearing well-prepared for the crucial matchup, the significant setback of Hardik Pandya’s injury raises the pressing question of who will step up to fill the void for India against New Zealand.
Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma has been in scintillating form throughout this World Cup. Following his early dismissal against Australia, the Indian captain has consistently laid down strong foundations for his team, displaying aggressive batting prowess in the subsequent three matches.
Rohit Sharma’s stunning 131 against Afghanistan made chasing down a 273-run target look effortless. His remarkable innings, with a strike rate of over 150, included five impressive sixes. In the clash against Pakistan, the ‘Hitman’ exhibited his dominance, taking on the bowling attack of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, amassing 86 runs in a mere 63 balls. While he narrowly missed a half-century against Bangladesh, his solid 48 off 40 deliveries provided India with a firm platform in the run chase.
Shubman Gill faced setbacks in the opening two games due to a viral infection and managed to score just 16 against Pakistan. However, his impressive 53-run knock against Bangladesh is likely to boost his confidence.”
Middle order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav
“Virat Kohli, living up to his ‘Chase Master’ reputation, has been a standout performer in this ODI World Cup. In a challenging situation against Australia, where India found themselves at a precarious 2 for 3 within the first two overs, Kohli stepped up to the challenge and rescued his team with a gritty 85 runs. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 97 ultimately sealed the successful run chase. In the previous match against Bangladesh, Kohli displayed his mastery with a century, and he will be eager to replicate that feat against New Zealand.
With all-rounder Hardik Pandya sidelined due to injury, the responsibility of contributing crucial middle-order runs will likely fall on Shreyas Iyer, along with either Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan.”
“Virat Kohli, living up to his ‘Chase Master’ reputation, has been a standout performer in this ODI World Cup. In a challenging situation against Australia, where India found themselves at a precarious 2 for 3 within the first two overs, Kohli stepped up to the challenge and rescued his team with a gritty 85 runs. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 97 ultimately sealed the successful run chase. In the previous match against Bangladesh, Kohli displayed his mastery with a century, and he will be eager to replicate that feat against New Zealand.
With all-rounder Hardik Pandya sidelined due to injury, the responsibility of contributing crucial middle-order runs will likely fall on Shreyas Iyer, along with either Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan.”v
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja
“Left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja played pivotal roles in tilting the contest in India’s favor against Bangladesh after the opposition had a strong start. Ravindra Jadeja, with seven wickets in four games and an impressive economy rate of under four runs per over, showcased his all-round skills. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, bowled challenging overs with an economy rate just above four and took six crucial wickets.
These middle-over specialists, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, are once again expected to be India’s key assets in containing the flow of runs against New Zealand.
In addition, India might consider including Ravichandran Ashwin in the starting XI if they opt for an extra spinner on the HPCA track.
Fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur
the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur forms India’s pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah has led the charge, amassing ten wickets from four matches with an impressive average of 13.40 and an astonishingly economical rate of 3.62 runs per over. He currently ranks third in the list of top wicket-takers in this ODI World Cup.”
“Although Mohammed Siraj has conceded runs at an economy rate of over six runs per over, his role in disrupting Pakistan’s strong start against India was crucial. The experienced Mohammed Shami might also make his first appearance in the tournament.
Shardul Thakur, known for his variations, is expected to provide essential support to Bumrah and Siraj/Shami. He may also contribute with the bat in the lower order if required.
Here is the anticipated lineup for India against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj/Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.”