The loss of Shikhar Dhawan has been a huge blow for the Indian cricket team going into their clash with New Zealand at the ICC World Cup 2019. The Delhi opener hit a fine century against the Australians helping his side win a crucial game. To lose him in a crucial phase of the tournament may spell trouble for the men in blue but they do seem to have proper replacements. New Zealand will have their World Cup merit tested against a quality side who along with England appear to be the favorites. With three wins out of three, New Zealand is relaxed but knows the picture can change any moment in tournaments like these. A look at the players to watch out for in the game. India vs New Zealand Cricket Score 18th ODI Match.
Rohit Sharma
Loss of Shikhar Dhawan means there is a lot of pressure on Rohit Sharma to guide the Indian innings at the top. Being a senior pro, he has to make sure his understanding with K L Rahul is in place when they face the Kiwis. His century against South Africa in the first game where he curbed his natural game was a classic case of playing according to the situation.
Virat Kohli
The Indian skipper was brilliant against Australia, not only with the bat but also with his gesture related to Steve Smith which made him win hearts. New Zealand have some quality bowler in their ranks which Virat Kohli will have to counter effectively. He will also have to make some tough calls regarding team selection now that Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the contest. India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record: Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Clash, Here Are Match Results of Last 5 IND vs NZ Encounters!.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The India spinner has looked lively in both the game breaking the opposition’s back with a flurry of wickets in the middle stages. It is not only the wickets that has made him effective, Chahal also keeps the batsmen under check by not giving them freebies. With six wickets so far, he looks well on his way to big haul in the World Cup. India vs New Zealand, Nottingham Weather Report: India Train in Gloomy Conditions, Rain Forecast Not Good for CWC 2019 Match Day.
Ross Taylor
Kiwi middle-order batsman Ross Taylor has been in fine form over the last two years and poses a lot of threat. He likes to attack the opposition bowler even under pressure situation which makes him quite an effective player.
Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand pacer has the experience of bowling at a majority of these Indian batsmen as he was part of the KKR squad in the IPL 2019. With 8 wickets to his name, he is looking extremely good. Lockie Ferguson will be looking forward to the challenge of facing some of the best batsmen in the world. India vs New Zealand ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Weather Report: Check Out the Rain Forecast and Pitch Report of Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
At the end of the game between India and New Zealand, we will be left with only one unbeaten team in the tournament which is hyping up this game like no other.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2019 11:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).